SIMON Cowell has made his first public appearance after the tragic death of Liam Payne.

The music mogul attended an event in London days after One Direction star Liams passing.

GettySimon Cowell attended the 2024 Pride of Britain Awards[/caption]InstagramLiam passed away on Wednesday afternoon in Buenos Aires[/caption]Simon personally put One Direction together on The X Factor after they auditioned as solo artistsPA Wire

The former X Factor judge appeared at the 2024 Pride of Britain Awards on Monday night.

Marking his first appearance since the death of Liam, Simon took part in the event to pay tribute to his friend and former Sun journalist Peter Willis on the stage.

Peter later the Mirror, where he worked for more than 23 years, holding a number of senior positions.

One of his biggest achievements was conceiving and launching the Pride of Britain Awards, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary today.

Former One Direction star Liam died after falling 45ft from his hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires at 5.04pm on Wednesday.

Simon, who managed the boy band, cancelled his participation in Britains Got Talent auditions over the weekend, with Bruno Tonioli stepping in for him.

Simon also paid a heartbreaking tribute to the late singer with an Instagram post following his death, sharing a touching post on his Instagram grid page.

He posted a number of photos and a long essay, which began: You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.

Liam I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

This is so difficult to put into words right now.

The music mogul continued with his long essay, writing: I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.

I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused.

And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.

I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasnt your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again.

A lot of people would have given up. You didnt. You came back and within months the whole world know Liam.

And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.

You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together.

And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago.

Simon also opened up on the bond he shared with Liams seven-year-old son, Bear.

I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have, he wrote.

And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.

In his third slide, Simon added: I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were.

And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.

He added: Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X.

Earlier today, Liams girlfriend Kate Cassidy was spotted for the first time since he died.

Liams cause of death was multiple injuries after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Kate had been on holiday with him in the South American country but returned home to the US two days earlier.

The music mogul reminisced on their long-time friendship in his long essay

Tributes to Liam Payne

SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.

Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Directions camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing Just a boy alongside a broken heart emoji.

Britains Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: Such an awful tragedy.

Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.

X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was devastated and lost for words.

He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x.

Liam Gallagher said he was very sad and told his followers on X: Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.

Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.

He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.

“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the devastating news on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.

JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..

We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..

Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.

Niall Horans brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a top young man.

He added: You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.

My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.

10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x

German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.

The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…

American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.

Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.

He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone

I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry

Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.

In another tweet, they added: Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.

American media personality Paris Hilton shared: So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.

ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liams tragic death on Instagram, adding: Cant believe this! RIP Liam.

Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: Im so taken aback, rest in peace.

James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a loving and kind soul.

The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.

I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.

Payne previously appeared on Cordons The Late Late Show in America.

Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part described him as the first friend I made in this industry.

She said: We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.

Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping wed make it. I hope you are at peace now.

Camila Cabello described his death as a tragedy and said he made an impression on her when she was a young girl.