Simon Cowell mourns Liam Payne with heartfelt hug at the funeral

Simon Cowell, the music mogul behind One Direction, attended Liam Payne’s funeral on Wednesday, sharing a heartfelt embrace with the late singer’s parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, outside St. Mary’s Church in Amersham, England.

Cowell, who helped launch Payne's career, was visibly emotional as he leaned into Geoff’s shoulder while holding Karen in a touching moment of grief.

The funeral, held over a month after Payne’s tragic death in Buenos Aires on October 16, was attended by a host of A-listers. Fellow One Direction members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson were present, alongside James Corden, Scott Mills, and Payne’s ex Cheryl Cole, who arrived with her Girls Aloud bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh.

Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, was among the first to arrive, accompanied by Damian Hurley. Wearing all-black, Cassidy appeared visibly shaken. Cowell’s fiancée, Lauren Silverman, stood beside him, offering quiet support during the emotional service.

Payne, best known for his solo hits and work with One Direction, passed away after a fall from a hotel balcony. His death prompted widespread mourning, with Cowell expressing his grief on Instagram: “I feel empty. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.”