'Devastated' Simon Cowell pays tribute to Liam Payne

Simon Cowell says he's "devastated" and "heartbroken" over the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne.

The X Factor judge - who mentored the band on the show - posted a tribute on Instagram to the 31-year-old singer, who died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

"You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens," Cowell wrote.

"Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

"This is so difficult to put into words right now.

"I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.

"I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans."

Cowell said he had met Payne's son Bear, adding that the boy had the singer's "smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have".

"He will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it," Cowell added.

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