Look Back on Liam Payne'sX FactorAuditions at 14, Which Led Him to His 'Dream' Career

Mar. 15, 2025

Liam Payne on ‘The X Factor’.Photo:The X Factor UK/YouTube

The X Factor UK/YouTube

The formerOne Directionstar died on Wednesday, Oct. 16, after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina at the age of 31.

Policía Federal Argentina confirmed to PEOPLE that the star was pronounced dead after falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.

In the midst ofpaying tributeto the late singer on social media, fans have also been taking a look at throwback videos of Payne’s journey to musical stardom, including his auditions forThe X Factor, which saw the genesis of One Direction as a band.

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Liam Payne on ‘The X Factor’.The X Factor UK/YouTube

Payne first auditioned to take part in the British singing competition in 2008 at the age of 14.

“When I’m at school, in general, I think about singing all the time," he said backstage before his audition at the time. “I should really be concentrating on my work but I think about singing too much. It’s a dream, I’d love to do it.”

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Although judgeSimon Cowellfelt like there was “20%” missing, Payne ended up getting three yes’s after he impressed judges Cheryl —with whom he would laterwelcome his only child, son Bearin 2017 —and Louis Walsh.

However, Payne’s firstX Factorjourney came to an end during the Judges' Houses, where judge Cowell, 65, felt the young star wasn’t ready.

After impressing all four judges that time around, Payne received four yes’s, including a standing ovation from Cowell and singer Natalie Imbruglia.

The boy group succeeded in the live shows, ultimately finishing third in the series.

Alongside his bandmates, Payne saw much success being part of one of the biggest pop groups in the world.

One Direction released five studio albums and went on four world tours before splitting in 2016.

Payne also carved a successful solo career in his own right, releasing songs such as 2017s “Strip That Down,” 2021’s “Sunshine” and 2024’s “Teardrops.”

source: people.com