Liam Payne was still in contact with Nicole Scherzinger the day he died, and the pair even had an upcoming project in the works.
Payne’s death, after falling from his hotel room in Argentina on October 16, stunned the music world.
This news must have proved particularly upsetting for singer Scherzinger, who was part of the reason Payne formed the group One Direction back in 2010 as she was one of the panel judges on X Factor at the time.
Speaking on Payne’s death, British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber said Scherzinger and Payne were texting the day he died.
Webber, who composed the music for Broadway musical Sunset Boulevard, which stars Scherzinger, recently commented on her close relationship with Payne.
Andrew LLoyd Webber said Payne and Sherzinger were texting the day of his death(Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Speaking to Billboard, he said: “I suppose something that hasn’t been said, and I suppose I could say, is that of course she mentored Liam, from One Direction.
“On the Wednesday when he died, she was still texting him that day.”
He also added that even when Scherzinger heard of Payne’s death, she still decided to perform as Norma Desmond in the Broadway production.
He praised her and said: “The fact that she even did the show at all is extraordinary. I mean, she is an amazing, amazing woman. She is without any question one of the finest performers I’ve ever worked with.”
Just like the millions of fans around the world, Scherzinger also took to social media to pay tribute to the star.
She shared a snap of herself, Payne, and singer Kelly Rowland, and said: “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.
Nicole shared this image of herself and Payne as part of her tribute (Nicole Scherzinger/Instagram)
“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.”
Scherzinger and Payne were also in the process of working on a Netflix project alongside Rowland and Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean when news of his death hit the world.
The show’s premise, titled Building the Band, would result in a music group being created but none of the members would meet until the final reveal.
Netflix spoke on the show and said: “As former members of The Pussycat Dolls, Destiny’s Child, One Direction, and the Backstreet Boys, respectively, these hitmakers will bring their unparalleled expertise and years of personal experience to the competition.”
Filming had already begun, however, following Payne’s death, it is not clear whether the show will still go ahead.
