Former Pussycat Dolls star and X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was still in contact with Liam Payne on the day he fell to his death, Andrew Lloyd Webber confirmed
In 2010, Nicole Scherzinger helped create the phenomenon that is One Direction – and kept in touch with Liam Payne until the day he died.
The Pussycat Dolls star, 46, was on the X Factor panel that grouped Liam Payne with other show hopefuls Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik to form the super band, after her initial suggestion to form the band. And it’s now been revealed she kept in touch with Liam right up until the day he died.
The singer tragically fell to his death in Argentina on October 16, with tributes still flooding in. Speaking of the fateful day, Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed how Nicole was still texting the star.
Andrew, who composed the music for the Broadway musical Sunset Blvd., which stars Nicole, said: “I suppose something that hasn’t been said, and I suppose I could say, is that of course she mentored Liam, from One Direction.”
Nicole Scherzinger was the mastermind behind creating One Direction
Speaking to Billboard, he said: “On the Wednesday when he died, she was still texting him that day.” Andrew revealed that even after hearing of Liam’s death, she still turned out to perform as Norma Desmond in the Broadway production. He praised: “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 footage from X Factor auditions 14 years ago, Nicole, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell toyed with the idea of putting the boys together. “This one. Right here,” Nicole said pointing at an image of Liam and moving it to be with the other bandmates. “If he’s the standout, then he could be the leader,” she said.
Nicole has since paid tribute to Liam, sharing a snap of the pair alongside Kelly Rowland while filming for their latest show. “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,” she began. “It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently. We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.”
Liam was seen posing with Nicole and Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland just weeks before his tragic deathThe snap she posted showed Liam looking relaxed and happy as he smiled at the camera, alongside Nicole and Kelly Rowland. “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,” the heartbroken singer added.
Liam was set to join up with Nicole again as part of a judging team for new Netflix show, Building The Band. The format would mean a new music group would be created, but none of the members would meet each other until the final reveal. He was set to appear alongside Nicole, Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland and Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean, who was to host the series.
The streaming giant revealed: “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.” Filming was already underway and the stars had been spotted in Manchester for rehearsals. Liam had been seen at Manchester’s Sexy Fish with his girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy.
The pair reunited in Manchester while filming a new TV show
It has not yet been confirmed if the show will still go ahead following Liam’s death. His One Direction bandmates paid a heartbreaking tribute to him shortly after news broke. In the joint statement, they wrote: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
Nicole’s moving tribute comes after it emerged that an online petition set up in honour of Liam’s name to safeguard artists’ mental health in the entertainment industry reached over a staggering 100,000 signatures. The change.org petition for Liam’s Law was set up by a fan, a call to action on the petition webpage states: “In 2021 Liam advocated for a support system to be put in place for young artists’ going through the industry. He spoke about his own struggles and the need for there to be care in place to safeguard artists’ mental health. Ultimately, I am angry and saddened that the industry has let him down.”
Liam’s law could now be discussed in parliament, with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport stating they are open for discussions
Vowing to help make Liam’s vision a reality, the fan continued: “The entertainment industry, acclaimed for its glamour and stardom, is equally infamous for the enormous pressure it exerts on the mental health of artists. Resultant issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and even suicide are alarmingly high. According to research, performers are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from these issues compared to the general population.
“In recent news of Liam Payne’s tragic death as many others, the entertainment industry needs to be held accountable and be responsible to the welfare of their artists. We seek to implore lawmakers to create legislation safeguarding the mental health of artists within the industry.”
Meanwhile, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, headed by MP Lisa Nandy told The Sun: “We are very open to discussions, if and when raised, on how artists’ mental health can be better safeguarded. The Government is committed to recruiting 8,500 mental health workers to provide faster treatment.”
