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Liam Payne, One Direction Singer, Dies at 31 After Fall from Buenos Aires Hotel Balcony
Oct
Liam Payne, the talented English pop singer and former member of One Direction, has died at the age of 31.
The singer tragically fell from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Payne was visiting the city to attend a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan. PEOPLE confirmed the news, and EW has reached out to local police and Payne’s representatives for further information. Argentine news outlet Todo Noticias TV was the first to report on the incident.
A Star from a Young Age
Born in 1993, Payne’s music career began when he auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 at just 14 years old. Although initially cut from the show, Payne returned two years later, leading to a pivotal moment in his career. Along with fellow contestants Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, Payne was placed in a boy band that would go on to become one of the most successful acts of their generation — One Direction.
The group placed third on The X Factor but quickly rose to international stardom. Their first album, Up All Night (2011), was a massive success, going triple platinum in the U.S. and quadruple platinum in the U.K. Payne lent his vocal talents to many of the band’s biggest hits, and his songwriting skills began to shine with early credits on songs like “Taken,” “Everything About You,” and “Same Mistakes.”
The Rise of One Direction
Following their debut, One Direction released four more albums that solidified their status as a global phenomenon. Payne contributed significantly to the band’s songwriting, co-writing hits such as “Last First Kiss” and “Summer Love” on their sophomore album Take Me Home (2012). He took on an even greater role with Midnight Memories (2013), helping pen songs like “Story of My Life” and the title track.
In 2014, Payne co-wrote “Steal My Girl” and “Night Changes” for the album Four, which marked the final album featuring all five members before Zayn Malik’s departure in 2015. Payne’s influence continued on the band’s final album, Made in the A.M. (2015), where he co-wrote tracks like “No Control” and “Spaces.”
After five albums and extensive world tours, One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
A Solo Career and Personal Challenges
Following the band’s hiatus, Payne launched a solo career with his debut single “Strip That Down” in 2017, featuring Quavo and co-written by Ed Sheeran. The track became a commercial success, peaking at number 10 on the U.S. Billboard charts. He followed it up with his first solo album, LP1, in 2019, featuring collaborations with artists like Zedd, Rita Ora, and J Balvin.
In 2020, Payne released the EP Midnight Hour with Alesso and contributed “Sunshine” to the animated film Ron’s Gone Wrong in 2021. His most recent release, “Teardrops,” came out in March 2024 and was expected to be the lead single from his highly anticipated second album.
Payne’s personal life also made headlines over the years. He shares a son, Bear, with his former partner, Cheryl Cole. In 2023, Payne announced his engagement to influencer Kate Cassidy.
Despite his success, Payne faced health challenges, including a kidney infection that forced him to cancel a planned Latin American tour in 2023. He had also recently joined Netflix’s upcoming Building the Band series as a judge, though the release date has yet to be announced.
A Legacy Remembered
The news of Payne’s tragic passing has sent shockwaves through fans and the music industry. His contributions to One Direction helped shape a generation, and his solo career reflected his artistic growth and versatility. He leaves behind a legacy of chart-topping hits, personal perseverance, and a devoted fanbase.
Payne is survived by his son Bear and his fiancée Kate Cassidy. His untimely death marks a heartbreaking loss for those who knew and loved him, as well as the millions of fans who followed his journey from The X Factor to global stardom.
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