NICOLE Scherzinger has paid an emotional tribute to Liam Payne, who she put int One Direction on the X Factor 15 years ago.
The former One Direction star 31, plunged 45 feet from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday, October 16.
Nicole said Liam ‘brought so much joy, light, and laughter’[/caption]
In her touching tribute Nicole wrote: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Previously unseen footage from the X Factor, where One Direction was born, revealed Nicole was the judge who had the idea to put Liam, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson together to form a band.
It comes as a petition to protect stars’ mental health in the wake of Liam’s death has gained more than 100,000 signatures.
The campaign for a Liam’s Law can now be debated in the Commons.
The petition calls on the entertainment industry to provide more support for its stars, including adequate rest periods and regular mental health check-ups.
It adds: “The increasing rate of musicians who die before age 35, is concerning.
“We need to act now!”
