Simon Cowell recently reflected on the final time he saw Liam Payne — roughly a year before Payne died after falling from a third‑story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. Speaking on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, Cowell described their last meeting and the lingering uncertainty he feels about whether fame played a role in Payne’s struggles.

On the podcast, Cowell recounted that Payne visited his home for a long conversation about fatherhood and life beyond music. Cowell said he urged Payne not to let his career define him, advising him to choose the timing of releases and to pursue other interests that might bring lasting happiness. (The Rolling Stone Music Now appearance is available online; Payne discussion begins around the 40‑minute mark.)

“I remember saying, ‘Music is not everything, by the way. You’re in a position where you can decide when you want to put something out and when you don’t want to put something out. But don’t let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you’re passionate about that will bring you happiness,’” Cowell said.

Cowell—who assembled Payne with fellow X Factor U.K. contestants Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik in 2010—said he continues to wrestle with whether he could have done more for Payne after signing him. He acknowledged that he doesn’t know how Payne’s life might have differed without the band, but after speaking with Payne’s parents he was struck by how proud Liam had been of his accomplishments.

“You ask yourself that question: ‘Could I have done anything more? What would’ve happened to Liam if he hadn’t been in the band?’ I don’t know,” Cowell said. “All I know is having spoken to his mom and dad recently, all they kept telling me was he was so proud of what he had achieved. That music and succeeding to him was everything. Absolutely everything… I wish I could turn back the clock, of course, to that day he came to my house. When I spoke to him that day, if I’m being honest with you, I felt really good about him. I thought, ‘Wow, you seem in a really good place.’”

Cowell said the visit lasted about three hours and included practical advice about parenting and life balance. He added that, after Payne left, he did not feel immediate concern — which made the news of Payne’s death particularly devastating. Cowell described the loss as one of the few non‑family deaths that hit him especially hard.

When asked about online commentary that attempted to assign blame to him for Payne’s death, Cowell said he avoids reading that kind of speculation because it only causes pain. “The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody’s life 10 years after you’ve signed someone? You can’t do that. You can’t live with them,” he said, noting he’s always available to former artists who reach out.

He clarified that Payne’s last contact with him wasn’t a cry for help but rather a desire to reconnect with an old mentor. Cowell also reflected on the wider pressures facing young stars today, especially the corrosive effects of social media. He said he turned off his own phone years ago to protect his wellbeing and worries about how divisiveness and online scrutiny affect young people’s mental health.

Following news of Payne’s death, Cowell posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am truly 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.”

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