URGENT UPDATE: The music world is mourning the loss of Liam Payne, who tragically passed away at the age of 31 in October 2024. His co-stars from the Netflix series “Building the Band,” AJ McLean and Kelly Rowland, shared heartfelt memories of the late singer during a virtual press event, emphasizing his profound impact on both the industry and their lives.
During the press junket, Rowland described Payne as a “bright light,” recalling his unmatched intuition. “His intuition was so spot on,” she stated, noting that he could often predict outcomes before they unfolded. The former Destiny’s Child member, aged 44, expressed her sorrow, stating, “We’re gonna miss him,” and highlighted their dedication of the show to his memory.
McLean, host of the series and member of the Backstreet Boys, affirmed, “I’m proud and happy that this show is the way he gets to be remembered because this is truly who he was.” He emphasized the hope that they would honor Payne’s legacy and make his family and fans proud.
The boy band formed on the show, Soulidified, recalled how Payne saw himself in them, urging them to cherish their experiences together. They described how being around him was uplifting, stating, “He lit up every room he walked into.” The group shared their admiration for his positivity and humor, reflecting on the countless laughs shared both on and off camera.
The girl group 3Quency echoed similar sentiments, describing Payne as “sweet, smiley, giddy and excited.” They remarked on the invaluable advice he offered about performance and navigating the industry, further emphasizing the devastating nature of his passing.
Payne, who struggled with addiction issues, rose to stardom after winning “The X Factor” in 2010 with One Direction. His untimely death occurred following a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina, leaving behind a young son.
In the wake of this tragedy, his colleagues and friends are committed to continuing his legacy, with many promising to uphold the kindness and mentorship he offered throughout his career. As they prepare to honor him through the show, fans and fellow artists alike are reminded of the indelible mark he left on the music community.
Stay tuned for more developments on how Payne’s legacy will continue to inspire future artists. The music world will forever cherish the memory of Liam Payne, a true icon.
