From One Direction to Solo Stardom: A look at Liam Payne’s Defining Career Moments

Liam Payne, the beloved British singer who first found fame as part of the boy band One Direction, tragically passed away at age 31. Payne died after a fall from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina, though the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.

As fans and celebrities worldwide pay tribute, it’s important to reflect on Payne’s incredible journey in the music world—one filled with massive highs and personal struggles.

Here's a look at some of the most pivotal moments in Liam Payne’s career.

Payne goes on ‘The X Factor’ at age 14

Liam Payne in 2010 (Yui Mok/AP)

Liam Payne’s musical journey began in 2008 when, at the age of 14, he auditioned for the British reality TV music competition The X Factor. Though his vocal talents impressed the judges, Simon Cowell felt Payne wasn’t quite ready for stardom. Encouraging him to return in two years, Cowell’s advice paid off. In 2010, Payne auditioned again, earning a standing ovation from two judges for his solo performance.

"Based on talent, absolutely incredible," said Cowell, who sent the 16-year-old through to the next round. Payne’s X Factor journey took a turn when he was grouped with four other solo contestants—Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson—forming the band that would change his life forever: One Direction. Despite finishing third in the competition, the group quickly became a global phenomenon.

One Direction becomes a best-selling boy band with global fame

One Direction skyrocketed to success, becoming one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. The group produced five studio albums and sold over 70 million records worldwide, breaking records with hits like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Story of My Life,” and “Night Changes.”

One Direction on their 'Up All Night' tour in 2011. (Photo: Eva Rinaldi)

In 2012, the band made history by becoming the first British group to debut at number one on the U.S. charts with their album Up All Night. Later that year, their single “Live While We’re Young” shattered a Billboard record as the fastest-selling track by a non-U.S. artist. The band had broken records that were set by The Beatles decades ago. Their fame was unmatched, with a level of success that hadn’t been seen in years.

“The more fun we had, the more successful it got,” Payne said in 2019, reflecting on the whirlwind years with One Direction. But with that success came challenges. Payne frequently spoke about the difficulties of navigating fame at such a young age. “It was a little bit dark and twisted toward the end of it,” he admitted, noting the constant presence of paparazzi and swarms of fans.

Payne launches solo career

Photo: AP

In 2017, after One Direction went on an indefinite hiatus, Payne embarked on a solo career. That same year, he welcomed his son, Bear, with British singer Cheryl. Payne had first met Cheryl during his 2008 X Factor audition when she was a judge on the panel. The two began dating in 2015, and while their relationship ended in 2018, they remained committed co-parents to their son.

Payne’s solo debut single, “Strip That Down,” featuring rapper Quavo, was a massive hit, earning over a billion streams on Spotify. His career also saw him collaborate with artists like J. Balvin on “Familiar” and Rita Ora on “For You,” both of which collectively garnered more than 600 million streams.

One Direction performing on the Today Show in 2012 (AP)

Despite his solo success, Payne opened up about his struggles with mental health and alcohol. He revealed in a 2019 interview that he had started drinking heavily while on tour with One Direction and that his drinking had continued after the band went on hiatus. “There were a couple of very dark years of me going through extreme peril with different mental health things,” Payne shared with the BBC. He also mentioned that his family had been “very worried” about him during those turbulent times.

Payne’s final song, “Teardrops”

In March 2024, just seven months before his untimely passing, Payne released his final single, “Teardrops.” The singer wrote on Instagram, “[T]his song is born from many tears, not all mine,” revealing the emotional depth behind the track.

Fans light candles outside the hotel where former One Direction singer Liam Payne was found dead after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. (Natacha Pisarenko/AP)

While his life was tragically cut short, Payne’s legacy as an influential artist and performer remains. From his early beginnings on The X Factor to his time with One Direction and his transition into solo stardom, Liam Payne’s contribution to music and pop culture is undeniable.