Liam Payne, who sadly passed away on October 16 after falling from his hotel room in Argentina, was still in touch with Nicole Scherzinger on the day of his death. The two had plans for an upcoming project together, which has left the music industry in shock.
Scherzinger, who was instrumental in the formation of One Direction in 2010 when she served as a judge on X Factor, must have been particularly affected by Payne’s untimely death.
British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who worked with Scherzinger on the Broadway musical Sunset Boulevard, revealed that she and Payne were exchanging texts the day he passed away.
Discussing the close bond between Scherzinger and Payne, Webber mentioned to Billboard, “I suppose something that hasn’t been said, and I suppose I could say, is that of course she mentored Liam, from One Direction.
“On the Wednesday when he died, she was still texting him that day.”
Despite the tragic news, Scherzinger continued to perform her role as Norma Desmond in the Broadway production, with Webber commending her strength, stating: “The fact that she even did the show at all is extraordinary. I mean, she is an amazing, amazing woman. She is without any question one of the finest performers I’ve ever worked with.”
In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Scherzinger posted a photo of herself with Payne and singer Kelly Rowland. She wrote: “Dear Liam, I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from fifteen years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago.
“It’s been so hard to process that you’re no longer here, but I am grateful to have known your kind heart, sweet soul and character.
“You brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the lives of those that truly knew you. I will ‘miss you’ my friend and carry you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.”
Before Payne’s passing, he, Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland, and Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean were collaborating on a Netflix project titled Building the Band. The show was set to form a music group, with the members only meeting at the final reveal.
Netflix shared about the project: “As former members of The Pussycat Dolls, Destiny’s Child, One Direction, and the Backstreet Boys, respectively, these hitmakers will bring their unparalleled expertise and years of personal experience to the competition.”
Although filming had commenced, it remains uncertain if the show will continue in light of Payne’s death.