Dermot O’Leary Pays Tribute to Liam Payne: “He Just Loved to Sing”
Dermot O’Leary, longtime host of The X Factor, is the latest public figure to offer heartfelt words in memory of Liam Payne, who first captured hearts on the iconic talent show before rising to global stardom with One Direction.
In a touching segment on his radio show and follow-up interview with The Irish News, O’Leary reflected on the very first time he saw Liam perform. “There was something about him—you could just tell he was hungry for it, but in a humble way,” Dermot shared. “He just loved to sing.”
From rejection to redemption
Liam famously auditioned twice for The X Factor—once in 2008 at age 14, and again in 2010, when he was chosen by Simon Cowell to form One Direction. Dermot recalled, “Not many people come back after being turned away, but Liam did. That takes guts.” He emphasized that it was Liam’s resilience and heart—not just his voice—that made him special.
Backstage memories
O’Leary shared fond memories of Liam’s backstage energy. “He’d always ask how you were doing. That’s rare for a 17-year-old kid in a high-pressure environment,” he said. “He made the crew feel like family.” Dermot also mentioned how proud Liam was of One Direction’s success, but how much he longed to be taken seriously as a solo artist.
A legacy that began on X Factor
Liam’s story, like that of his bandmates, began on the X Factor stage—but his journey resonated deeply with viewers who saw him grow from a nervous teenager to a global pop icon. For Dermot, Liam wasn’t just a contestant—he was “proof that persistence pays off, and that kindness still exists in the industry.”
A final farewell
Dermot ended his tribute with a message to fans: “Remember Liam for more than the hits. Remember his heart, his humor, and the fact that he gave everything to the music.”
Be the first to comment