Simon Cowell encouraged Liam Payne to find a new passion in life before he passed away.

The 66-year-old music mogul oversaw Liam's rise to fame as a member of One Direction, and Simon has now shared details of a conversation that he had with the pop star before he died in October 2024, aged 31.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Simon shared: "I remember saying, 'Music is not everything. Don't let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you are passionate about'."

Liam died after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Simon has confessed to feeling devastated by the news.

The TV star said: "When I heard the news, it really hit me. I saw him a year before this happened. He came over to my house. We talked about his son and being a dad."

Liam joined One Direction back in 2010, after initially competing on the UK version of The X Factor as a solo artist. The singer enjoyed huge success with the chart-topping boy band, before he embarked on a solo career.

Liam's former bandmates - Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson - released a heartfelt statement after he died, admitting that they were "completely devastated by the news".

The singers - who formed one of the most successful British bands of all time - revealed that they will always cherish the "memories [they] shared" with Liam.

They said in a statement at the time: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing.

"In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.

"But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

"The memories we shared with him will be treasured for ever.

"For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and the fans who loved him alongside us.

"We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."