Liam Payne's 'amazing' 'X Factor' audition that shot him to fame resurfaces after his tragic death at 31

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA: A video of Liam Payne's 'X Factor' audition has come to light once again following the singer's tragic death at the age of 31.

Young singer Liam Payne first came to public attention in 2008 when he auditioned for the fifth season of the British television show 'The X Factor'.

According to reports, the 31-year-old former One Direction member died on Wednesday, October 16, after falling off a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's unclear if the fall was an accident or intentional, reported Daily Mail.

Following the singer's tragic death, fans tuned into YouTube to watch young Payne when he auditioned for the UK talent competition show in 2008 for the first time at the age of 14. 

Liam Payne wowed 'X Factor' judges with Frank Sinatra's 'Fly Me To The Moon' performance

Liam Payne stunned judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, and his would-be girlfriend Cheryl Cole with a magnificent performance of Frank Sinatra's iconic song 'Fly Me To The Moon'.

Despite reaching the Judges' Houses round, Payne was eventually sent home. Cowell urged Payne to try out again in "two years." After his second try, he went on to become a worldwide phenomenon with the boy band One Direction.

Payne made his first attempt at becoming a pop star at the age of 14. In 2008, he signed up for 'X Factor', where he also met Cole, with whom he later had a son named Bear.

He told the show's producers in a resurfaced clip, "When I'm at school, in general, I think about singing all the time. I should really be concentrating on my school work but I just think about singing too much."

In the video, Payne introduced himself to judges Cole, Walsh, and Cowell. He stated, "A lot of people say I'm a good singer and I've got The X Factor but I don't really know what The X Factor is and I believe you guys do."

The youngster successfully exhibited his pitch-perfect voice, leaving the judges completely pleased. However, Cowell claimed that Payne's performance was "missing a bit of grit, a bit of emotion and actually a bit of fun, funnily enough."

Cole—who began dating Payne in 2015—immediately jumped to his defense. "I liked it. I think you're really cute. I think you've got charisma.. You gave us that cheeky little wink," she exclaimed.

"I think this kid could do fantastic in the show," Walsh continued. However, Cowell sensed that "20 per cent missing" for him despite the glowing reviews from Walsh and Cole.

To which, Payne responded, "Well give me another audition and I'll show you I've got that 20 per cent." All three judges opted to advance him to the next round after giving him another shot, which went well.

Eventually, Cowell chose to send Payne home even though he made it all the way to the judges' houses. He instructed Payne to come back in two years which he did.

Liam Payne returned to 'X Factor' in 2010 to secure a spot in One Direction

Liam Payne returned to the 'X Factor' at the age of 16 in 2010 and was accepted into One Direction, which also included Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.

Despite placing third in their season on 'X Factor', One Direction quickly rose to prominence as one of the world's most popular boy bands.

They went on four global tours, had five successful studio albums, and had four UK No. 1 hits before breaking up in 2016.

In 2017, Payne embarked on a solo career and debuted his solo album in 2019.

Payne tragically died in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, October 16, after falling from a hotel.

Fans revisit Liam Payne's first 'X Factor' audition

Fans and followers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their views on Payne's first 'X Factor' audition in the wake of the 'Strip That Down' singer's shocking death.

One X user said, "Liam Payne death does not feel real to me at all and it’s making me so sad. I can’t believe it. I vividly remember watching his X factor audition for the first time when I was a 10 year old little girl and being obsessed with him… Rest in peace Liam."

Another fan exclaimed, "So many #directioners hearts broken tonight #LiamPayne was just 14 when he auditioned for TheXFactor He performed a cover of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” The singer has died aged, 31."

"Liam Payne was born on August 29, 1993, in Wolverhampton, England. His early passion for music led him to audition for The X Factor at just 14 years old," one person wrote.

Another added, "Liam Payne’s *X Factor* audition was nothing short of amazing RIP."

One individual commented, "As a One Direction fan, I cannot accept this... Watching your The X Factor audition video from when you were 14, tears stream down my Eyes."

"From that X-Factor audition to becoming part of one of the most important boy bands in the world, Liam Payne's journey was incredible. Thank you for your music and all the memories," remarked another.

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