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Sharon Osbourne has shared a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne following his tragic death on Wednesday, October 16, at the age of 31. The former X Factor judge, who worked closely with Payne during his rise to fame as part of One Direction, expressed her grief while also accusing the music industry of letting the young star down.
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In an emotional statement posted on Thursday, October 17, Osbourne, 72, wrote, “Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. 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? Rest in peace, my friend.”
Osbourne, who served as a judge on The X Factor for seven seasons across its run, has a long history in the music industry dating back to the 1970s when she managed her husband, Ozzy Osbourne. Her comments highlight concerns about the challenges young artists face when thrust into the spotlight at an early age.
Payne first auditioned for The X Factor as a solo artist in 2008 when he was just 14 years old. Though he impressed the judges, he was advised by Simon Cowell to return in two years. When Payne auditioned again in 2010 at the age of 16, he caught the attention of the panel, which included Cheryl Cole, who would later become his partner. That year, Payne was placed in a newly formed boy band alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik. Thus, One Direction was born.
Despite only finishing third in their season of The X Factor, One Direction became one of the show’s greatest success stories. The group went on to achieve global fame, selling more than 70 million records and winning 242 awards before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
Osbourne’s tribute is the first from a former X Factor judge, although the show itself issued a statement on Thursday, saying, “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. Our thoughts are with his friends and family and all who loved him.”
Payne’s former bandmates—Styles, Malik, Horan, and Tomlinson—have also shared public tributes. His death has left fans and the music world in shock. Payne passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after a fall from a balcony at the CasaSur Hotel. He sustained multiple injuries from the accident, which occurred around 5 p.m. local time.
In a statement, Payne’s family expressed their deep sorrow, saying, “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
As tributes continue to pour in, Osbourne’s message brings attention to the pressures faced by young artists and the support—or lack thereof—provided by the industry that propels them into fame.