Go Back To The Beginning With Liam Payne’s Very First X Factor Audition

Liam Payne may be gone, but his beautiful performances from beginning to end will live on forever.

As we all continue to grapple with the unimaginable reality that the One Direction alum has passed on, it’s difficult to feel anything but grief. But it’s in this time that we need to also remember and spotlight the ways he touched the world with his one-of-a-kind voice. So, we’re looking ALL the way back to his very first audition on The X Factor in 2008. And boy, what a talent he was.

At just 14 years old, Liam stood in front of judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, and Cheryl Cole and sang Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me To The Moon. He even memorably gave Cheryl, who we all know that with whom nearly ten years later he eventually welcomed his son Bear, a “cheeky” wink. And it was a “yes” across the board from the judges!

However, Liam was ultimately sent home as Simon didn’t feel he was quite ready. But in 2010, he returned at 16 years old with another Sinatra song, this time Cry Me A River. And Simon gave him a standing ovation! The record exec and fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger then went on to put together the One Direction crew we all know and love, including Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan. Re-live Liam’s performances (below):

It’s so tragic that that same young boy who we can see on screen there has now sadly passed on. But the light he sparked still illuminates the world. Rest in peace.

[Image via ITV/YouTube]