Simon Cowell is 'no more' in search for new boyband after Liam Payne's death: 'It's had its day'

LONDON, UK: The music tycoon Simon Cowell has reportedly decided to end his search for a new boyband in the wake of Liam Payne’s death.

The 65-year-old record executive’s latest Netflix show, rumored to be titled ‘The Midas Touch’, which would have hunted for performers has ended mid-production, as reported by RadarOnline.com.

Liam Payne's death has ‘hastened’ end of boyband search

An insider shared, “The amount of railings they put up suggested they were expecting hundreds or thousands of people to arrive and pack out the queues but they had a fraction of those kinds of numbers.

“Simon says the boyband is no more. It's had its day and Liam's death has hastened that.”

They also stated, “Many of the singers turning up are cast-offs from bands that didn’t make it in previous talent shows. But perhaps more crucially, Simon has now to come to terms with the fact that maybe the era of the chart-topping boyband is over.”

“It is devastating for him but he is a realist,” the tipster asserted.

They added, “It's not controversial to say gone are the days when four or five average-to-handsome boys were willing to queue up to audition to be part of The Next Big Thing, given individual makeovers that made them look even more similar, and go on to spend years dominating the charts.”

Simon Cowell was ‘utterly shocked’ after Liam Payne's death

Liam Payne died on October 16 after he fell multiple stories while staying at a hotel in Argentina.

Cowell had worked with the late singer as he signed him and the other members of ‘One Direction’ — Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik - after their ‘X-Factor’ gig.

Following the tragedy, it was revealed that the English TV personality was “devastated”.

A mole reportedly disclosed, “This news has hit Simon incredibly hard - he is utterly shocked and devastated. He adored Liam, and was close to his family with whom he is sure to reach out privately.”

“He didn’t feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he'll be in the right headspace to continue,” the source added.

Besides, in an Instagram post, Cowell wrote, "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you."

"Every tear I have shed is a memory of you. This is so difficult to put into words right now," he stated.

'The X Factor' also honored Payne in a tweet.

The reality television music competition posted, “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”