'Heartbroken' & 'Empty' Simon Cowell Breaks Silence On Liam Payne's Death: 'Every Tear I Have Shed...'

Simon Cowell had trouble finding the words when he learned of Liam Payne‘s shocking death. But once he did, he wrote something so beautiful…

The music mogul, who discovered Liam and the rest of One Direction on The X Factor, posted a lengthy tribute online describing how he was “devastated” and “heartbroken” and “empty.” But ultimately he spoke with such respect and reverence for his young friend.

He began:

“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. 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.”

Wow. Damn. If that’s not a song lyric, it should be. He continued:

“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.”

Simon recalled his first time meeting the singer, during his 2008 X Factor audition — the one before he made it. The producer remembered:

“I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t. You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.”

He then revealed they recently spent time together, just as friends:

“You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago.”

Simon finished by talking about Liam’s true legacy — his son Bear:

“I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you have achieved. And how you achieved it.”

What beautiful sentiments. We’re sure Liam’s loved ones, fans, and son will appreciate it in the years to come.