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Before his untimely death, on Wednesday, Liam Payne’s 14-year musical career surely left a mark in the industry, a journey that began with his being a former member of the British boy group One Direction and continued with a successful solo run when he released his debut album in 2017.
Despite his success and fame, the 31-year-old singer reportedly lived a “troubled” life as he dealt with his share of controversies including domestic allegations from ex-girlfriends and his struggles with addiction and mental health.
As his fans and loved ones mourn his tragic death, here’s a look back on Payne’s memorable life in One Direction and behind the camera.
Despite falling short in his initial audition in 2008 on “X Factor UK,” Payne returned to the competition two years later, impressing the judges with his rendition of Ella Fitzgerald’s “Cry Me a River.” He made it through to the next round and was later grouped with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson by judge Simon Cowell to form the mega band One Direction.
After its creation, One Direction took the world by storm as it became one of the best-selling and most popular boy bands of all time. The group’s first single, “What Makes You Beautiful,” released in 2011, led them to global stardom. Over the years, they released songs that became hits and received various recognitions from different awarding bodies. The band’s popularity led to sold-out concerts and legacy milestones that solidified its title as a beloved boy band.
However, in 2015, Malik left the group and the remaining four members continued to make music, releasing two more albums and going on tours before announcing their indefinite hiatus in 2016.
After One Direction’s hiatus, all members went on to pursue solo careers. Payne released his debut album, LP1, in 2019, which featured the platinum-selling single “Strip That Down.
