Liam Payne Remembered by Backstreet Boys, Charlie Puth, Ty Dolla Sign and Others Across the Music Industry: ‘I Am in Shock Right Now’

Tributes from across the music industry poured in Wednesday evening for Liam Payne, with news emerging that the One Direction member had died at the age of 31 after reportedly falling from a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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The English singer entered the music industry after appearing as a competitor on “The X Factor” in 2008. The appearance wasn’t his last time on the show, with Payne returning to the program two years later alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. The quintet placed third and were quickly signed to Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment, beginning a partnership that would launch One Direction as one of the most popular and highest-selling boy bands of all time.

The group achieved music industry dominance from 2010 to 2016, selling more than 70 million records worldwide boosted by chart-topping hits like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life.” In 2017, Payne debuted as a solo singer with “Strip That Down,” after One Direction had announced an indefinite hiatus. His debut album “LP1” was released in 2019.

“Words cannot express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat,” fellow boy band Backstreet Boys wrote on X . “Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends and Directioners around the world.”

“The X Factor’s” official X account said: “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.”

Dermot O’Leary, who hosted “The X Factor,” also paid tribute on social media. “The worst news,” he captioned an Instagram photograph of him and Payne on the show. “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family.”

Former “X Factor” judge Sharon Osbourne called out the music industry in her tribute to Payne. “Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down,” she wrote. “Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner?”

“I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he’s gone,” Charlie Puth wrote on his Instagram story . “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”

“Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr,” rapper Ty Dolla Sign wrote on his Instagram story , sharing a video of Payne.

“So upsetting to hear the news of [Liam Payne] passing,” Paris Hilton wrote on X . “Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend”

Republic Records, Payne’s U.S. record label, issued a statement on Thursday that reads in part, “We are deeply saddened and devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne, an extraordinary artist whose music touched millions. His legacy will live on through the timeless work he created, and he will forever be remembered as an icon of his generation.”

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Lou Teasdale, One Direction’s traveling hairdresser for their time as a band, chimed in via X in a tweet that has been viewed over a million times.

“Sending you all so much love,” Teasdale wrote .

Cher Lloyd, who competed against One Direction on “The X Factor,” posted a tribute alongside a black-and-white photo of her and Payne.

“From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams. I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had,” she wrote. “My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam.”

Olly Murs, a co-host of “The Xtra Factor” companion show during the seventh series, when One Direction were contestants, shared his thoughts online. Murs also served as the band’s opening act for their 2011 “Up All Night Tour.”

“This news is devastating, am lost for words,” he wrote on Instagram . “We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together. Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x am thinking of them! RIP Liam.”

Zedd wrote on X, “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking.” In a separate tweet , he continued, “Life is short and fragile… You never know what people are going through. We live in times where being rude, divisive and mean is normal; sometimes even celebrated. It doesn’t have to be this way. We should do our best to be kind, supportive and mindful.”

The Irish duo act Jedward, who also competed on “The X Factor,” sent strength to Liam Payne’s son Bear and Bear’s mother Cheryl.

Flavor Flav , Juicy J , “Fifty Shades of Grey” author E.L. James and more also paid tribute to the late musician.

One Direction 'Completely Devastated' Over Liam Payne's Death; Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Share Heartfelt Tributes