The Truth Behind the Rumor: Liam Payne, Harry Styles & the BRITs 2023 Rehearsal That Never Was
A story recently circulated claiming that Liam Payne and Harry Styles stayed up until 1 a.m. rehearsing the One Direction anthem “History” for the 2023 BRIT Awards—only for the performance to be pulled moments before showtime. Allegedly, a revelation from Liam’s father afterward shocked fans into silence.
Here’s what actually happened (and what didn’t):
🔍 1. No Evidence of a BRITs “History” Rehearsal
- The official timeline confirms that the BRIT Awards 2023 aired on February 11, 2023, hosted by Mo Gilligan at London’s O2 Arena .
- There is no credible report or media record that Liam Payne rehearsed “History” with Harry Styles—whether in the early hours or at all. The rumor seems to stem from fan speculation rather than verified sources.
🕊️ 2. Liam Payne’s Tragic Passing & BRIT Tributes
- Tragically, Liam Payne passed away in October 2024 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires .
- His father, Geoff Payne, traveled to Argentina to repatriate his body, visit the memorial site, and gather Liam’s belongings .
- At the BRIT Awards in March 2025, organizers held a heartfelt video tribute introduced by Jack Whitehall, celebrating Liam’s life and musical legacy .
- Although One Direction’s members were approached, they ultimately decided not to reunite onstage, believing the tribute should center solely on Liam .
🗣️ 3. What Liam’s Father Actually Said
- There are no public statements from Liam’s father revealing any behind-the-scenes drumroll—especially nothing about a surprise rehearsal being stopped.
- Instead, both Geoff and the family released moving statements appreciating the BRITs tribute, calling it “a celebration of his life” and requesting privacy as they continue grieving .
💔 Why the Myth Persists
Fan passion often fills silence with stories that resonate emotionally—especially ones involving legendary figures like Liam and Harry. While the idea of a secret, heartfelt duet is compelling, no reliable evidence supports it.
✅ In Summary