Simon Cowellis mourning the loss ofLiam Payneas tributes to the late One Direction singer continue to pour in.
You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.
Liam, I am devastated.
(L-R) Liam Payne and Simon CowellGareth Cattermole/Getty Images
And I feel empty, Cowell wrote on Instagram.
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.
Simon Cowell remembersLiam PayneInstagram @simoncowell
I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.
What is Liam like?
And how much you loved music.
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, Cowell said.
A lot of people would have given up.
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.
Cowell recalled that Payne met up with him last year, Not for a meeting.
Just to sit and talk, adding, We reminisced about all of the fun times we had together.
And how proud you were to be a Dad.
And he will be so proud of everything you achieved.
And how you achieved it.
I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers.
And regarding their messages today I believe you were, Cowell continued.
And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people.
Because you left us too soon.
Rest in peace my friend.
