Tributes and statements on Thursday poured in from the X Factor fraternity as the world reeled from the tragic death of One Direction’s Liam Payne at 31.
He fell to his death from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony on Wednesday after police responded to an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Payne entered X Factor in 2008 as a solo artist and reached the judges’ house stage of the ITV singing competition. He returned two years later and was put in a boy band, One Direction, with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.
X Factor mogul Simon Cowell halted Britain’s Got Talent auditions on Thursday as a mark of respect to Payne.
We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) October 17, 2024
He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.
Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him. pic.twitter.com/wOXUTKPUiR
The official UK X Factor social media account wrote: “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. “He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”
Payne is one of several well-known figures who emerged from X Factor during its heyday in 2010. Some, including Rebecca Ferguson and Cher Lloyd, paid emotional tributes to Payne on Thursday.
So what are the X Factor class of 2010 doing now?
Matt Cardle
Matt Cardle won the seventh series of The X Factor UK in 2010. He narrowly secured more votes than Ferguson, who finished second and third-place One Direction.
His cover of When We Collide (orignally called Many of Horror by Biffy Clyro) was the UK’s second-most-sold single of the year.
He released his debut album, Letters, in 2011, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and featured hit singles including When We Collide. His other albums include The Fire (2012), Porcelain (2013), and Time to Be Alive (2016), showcasing his diverse musical style that spans pop, rock, and acoustic genres.
Cardle has since entered musical theatre and is playing Shakespeare in the musical & Juliet.
Rebecca Ferguson
Ferguson came second in series seven, was signed by Cowell’s management company, and has performed in front of hundreds of thousands of fans.
The singer-songwriter has released several studio albums and penned several popular songs before announcing her music retirement in 2021.
She said: “My ‘FINAL’ album will drop next year and will be a combination of songs I have written over the past ten years After my retirement I will dedicate my time and energy into helping and nurturing emerging artists and fighting for better treatment.”
She paid tribute to Payne in an X post on Thursday, suggesting he would be alive today if he hadn’t pursued X Factor.
“Rest in Peace, Liam. I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family,” she added.
— Rebecca Ferguson MBE (@RebeccaFMusic) October 17, 2024
One Direction
One Direction — featuring Payne, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik — are the biggest act to emerge from the 2010 X Factor.
After the show, the band were signed to Cowell’s record label Syco Entertainment. They became one of the most popular boy bands ever, selling more than 70 million records worldwide, winning seven Brit Awards, and capturing the hearts of a generation of fans.
As well as enjoying incredible success as a band, their journey through stardom wasn’t always easy. There were reports of internal feuds, substance abuse, and struggles to deal with the immense pressure of international fame.
Cher Lloyd
Cher Lloyd came fourth in X Factor 2010 and released two albums and several singles.
Between hiatuses from the public eye, Lloyd has collaborated with artists such as Demi Lovato.
She sometimes performs live at events including the Mighty Hoopla festival while juggling parenthood as a mother of two.
Like other X Factor contemporaries, Lloyd paid tribute to Payne in an emotional social media post. “From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams. I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had,” she said on her Instagram account.
“My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam.”
Mary Byrne
Irish singer Mary Byrne said on Thursday she was in “shock” about the death of Payne.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, Byrne said she "burst into tears" when she heard the tragic news.
“He was the one that kind of guided the rest of the [One Direction] lads, got them up and motivated them to do the job,” she said.
After her X Factor stint, Byrne signed a contract with Sony Music Ireland and released four albums.
However, she did not enjoy the widespread fame others on the show did.
She has also made several TV appearances and presented some talk shows.
Wagner
Wagner reached the X Factor quarter-finals before he was eliminated — but not before making a significant mark.
The Brazilian-born singer established a cult following because of his raw, unfiltered, and unusual performances.
He has retained a fervent fan base.
According to his social media, Wagner still makes personal appearances and custom videos for his fans.
However, in 2022, he told the Mirror: "I am going to Brazil to start a hair transplant business.”
Katie Waissel
Katie Waissel released two albums after appearing on the show. She also appeared on television shows Celebrity Big Brother and Vanderpump Rules.
In 2023, it was revealed that Waissel sued Cowell over his duty of care and she has criticised other people involved with the show.
More recently, she has become a vocal advocate for musicians and performers who the entertainment industry has failed.
“As someone who has experienced and spoken out against wrongdoing, I understand how emotionally exhausting it can be, HOWEVER, your voice and submission not only empower and encourage others to speak up but also HOLD THE POWER to make significant and tangible change in the industry we all know and once loved,” she said on social media earlier this year in response to the For The Record campaign.
While paying tribute to Payne on Thursday, she repeated her grievances with X Factor by criticising the “systemic neglect that persists in the industry” for former contestants.
“Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” she said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
