Popular singer Liam Payne, a former member of the iconic boy band One Direction, tragically passed away on Thursday at the age of 31. The musician died after falling three floors from a hotel in the Argentine capital.
According to Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, Payne fell into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel. Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Here’s all about Pop Siger Liam Payne:
- Liam Payne, born on August 29, 1993, in Wolverhampton, England, rose to fame as a member of the globally successful boy band One Direction. His journey in the music industry began in 2008 when he first auditioned for the British television show “The X Factor.” Although he was initially eliminated, Payne returned two years later and impressed the judges with his rendition of “Cry Me A River.”
- It was during this second audition that Payne’s fate took an unexpected turn. Instead of continuing as a solo artist, he was grouped with four other contestants – Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik – to form One Direction. Despite finishing third in the competition, the band was signed to Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment, marking the beginning of their meteoric rise to stardom.
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- One Direction’s debut single, “What Makes You Beautiful,” released in 2011, became an instant pop classic. Their first album, “Up All Night,” followed in March 2012, launching the group into international stardom. Over the next four years, One Direction released four more albums, with Payne contributing significantly to the songwriting process, particularly on their last two albums.
- When One Direction announced their hiatus in 2016, Payne, like his bandmates, embarked on a solo career. His first single, “Strip That Down,” featuring US rapper Quavo, was released in 2017 and achieved considerable success, peaking at number three in the UK charts and earning two Brit Award nominations.
- Payne’s personal life has also been of interest to fans and media alike. He dated singer Cheryl Cole from 2016 to 2018, and they have a son, Bear, born in 2017. Subsequent relationships included an engagement to model Maya Henry in 2020, which ended in June 2021, and a relationship with US influencer Kate Cassidy in 2022.
- In recent years, Payne has faced some challenges both personally and professionally. He has been open about his struggles with mental health and alcohol use. In 2023, he was hospitalized twice, reportedly for kidney-related issues. His solo career has seen ups and downs, with his second solo album and a planned documentary reportedly being shelved. His 2024 comeback single “Teardrops” didn’t achieve the chart success he might have hoped for.
Despite these challenges, Payne continues to create music and engage with his fanbase. He remains an influential figure in the pop music landscape, with millions of followers across social media platforms. As he navigates the complexities of a post-boy band career, many fans and industry observers are keenly watching to see what the next chapter of Liam Payne’s musical journey will bring.