Nicole Scherzinger Was Texting Liam Payne on the Day of His Tragic Death

Nicole Scherzinger, who played a pivotal role in the formation of the boy band One Direction during her time as a judge on The X Factor UK, was in contact with Liam Payne on the day of his tragic death. This revelation was shared by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the renowned composer behind the Broadway musical Sunset Blvd., in which Nicole Scherzinger stars as Norma Desmond.

According to Andrew Lloyd Webber, in an interview published by Billboard on October 24, Nicole Scherzinger had been mentoring Liam Payne during his time in One Direction and was still communicating with him on the Wednesday of his death. Webber praised Scherzinger’s dedication and professionalism, noting that despite learning of Liam’s passing, she performed in the Broadway show that evening, which he described as “remarkable”.

Nicole Scherzinger’s influence on One Direction extends beyond her support for Liam Payne. Recently discovered footage from The X Factor UK revealed that she was the judge who suggested grouping Liam with Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson into a boy band. She urged fellow judge Simon Cowell to consider the boys as an “imaginary boy group” due to their talent and charisma.

The news of Liam Payne’s death on October 16 has been met with widespread tributes from the music industry. The remaining members of One Direction expressed their heartbreak in a joint statement, while individual members like Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson shared personal reflections on their time with Liam. Other artists, including Ed Sheeran and members of Little Mix, also paid their respects to Liam’s kindness, talent, and the memories they shared with him.

Liam’s family, including his mother Karen and father Geoff, and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, have also expressed their profound sorrow and asked for privacy during this difficult time. Cheryl, who shares a son with Liam, described his death as an “earth-shattering event” and reminded everyone of his humanity beyond his celebrity status).