Simon Cowell Postpones ‘BGT’ Auditions Following Liam Payne’s Death
Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images Reading Time: 2 minutes
Simon Cowell has reportedly postponed the filming of Britain’s Got Talent auditions following the news of former One Direction star Liam Payne’s death. According to TMZ, Thursday’s scheduled taping has been canceled.
Simon Cowell Postpones BGT After Liam Payne’s Death
Liam Payne got his start on The X Factor, where he and his fellow One Direction members were mentored by Cowell, who later signed them to his record label. News broke on Wednesday that the 31-year-old singer had passed away after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Applause Store, which books tickets for BGT tapings, posted on social media Thursday, “Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, BGT has decided to postpone today’s auditions in Blackpool. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
As of this writing, Cowell has not publicly commented on Payne’s death. However, The X Factor account on X (formerly Twitter) posted on Thursday, “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.” The post added that Payne “will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.”
SEE ALSO: ONE DIRECTION STAR LIAM PAYNE ALLEGEDLY DEAD AT 31
Celebrities Are Paying Tribute to Payne
A number of celebrities have posted about Payne on social media following news of his death. That includes his past collaborator Charlie Puth, who shared a photo of himself with Payne on Instagram. On stories, Puth wrote that he was “in shock right now,” adding that Payne was “always so kind to me.”
Another former collaborator of Payne’s, music producer Zedd, wrote on X, “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking.” Fellow X Factor alums Jedward sent their “condolences to friends and family.”
Rita Ora, who collaborated with Payne on the track “For You” in 2018, performed the song during her concert in Japan, while displaying a photo of herself with Payne. Ora appeared emotional, saying, “I can’t even sing this right now.”
This post is full of great advice, thanks!