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Simon Cowell Says ‘I Feel Empty’ After Liam Payne’s Death: ‘Every Tear I Have Shed Is a Memory of You’
Becca Longmire, Jack Irvin
October 19, 2024 at 12:06 AM
The former ‘X Factor’ judge and One Direction co-creator shared an emotional tribute on social media
Simon Cowell is paying tribute to Liam Payne after the One Direction singer’s death at age 31.
Payne was pronounced dead after falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, Oct. 16, Policía Federal Argentina confirmed to PEOPLE.
As tributes continue to pour in around the world, One Direction’s co-creator Cowell, 65 — who helped launch the band’s career on The X Factor U.K. back in 2010 — shared a statement to Instagram on Oct. 18.
“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” he wrote. “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,” added Cowell. “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?”
He explained, “And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
Cowell recalled working with Payne on The X Factor. “I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t,” he said. “You came back and within months the whole world knew 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.”
The Syco Records founder then spoke about spending time with the “Strip That Down” musician last year — “Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk,” he explained.
“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. I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have,” said Cowell. “And he will be so proud of everything you have achieved. And how you achieved it.”
To conclude the note, the former American Idol judge spoke about One Direction. “I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were,” wrote Cowell. “And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left too soon.”
“Rest in peace my friend,” he said. “And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family.”
Cowell and X Factor guest judge, Nicole Scherzinger, played a major role in forming One Direction after Payne, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson all auditioned for the show separately.
This $1 Billion Beverly Hills Estate Is Los Angeles’ Most Expensive Ever
Former Contributor
Writer, pop culture virtuoso and luxury lunatic
Jul 29, 2018,06:11pm EDT
Updated Jul 31, 2018, 08:24am EDT
This article is more than 6 years old.
More than 5,000 plants and 500 trees were transplanted to the property,Matthew Momberger /Juwan Li
Listed for $1 billion, The Mountain of Beverly Hills is officially the most expensive property in the history of Los Angeles (if not the world). Let that soak in. Yes, billion with a “b”—as in Bezos, Buffett and Bloomberg.
If you’re super rich, audacious and aroused enough to place the winning bid, bring your glamping gear. That jaw-dropping price tag is just for the panoramic tract of semi-developed land overlooking Los Angeles. There’s no mansion here yet, so pack your architect too.
The billionaire buyer of the 157-acre compound can build structures as high as 48 feet.Matthew Momberger /Juwan Li
But what a small inconvenience compared to what you are getting—the most exclusive promontory real estate in the USA. One-of-a-kind, The Mountain spans a stupefying 157 acres (nearly twice the size of Disneyland), with an über private road that serpentines skyward toward 90210’s largest and loftiest peak, a summit best admired by helicopter.
That view is like virtually dropping Disneyland onto Mount Baldy (L.A.’s highest peak), where you’re the only guest at the park (no cars, tourists, hikers or Mickey Mouse). Of course, the price of admission is still three commas, but who’s counting? Did I mention The Mountain costs $1 billion? That’s crazy. Paging Elon Musk—you boldly go where no man has gone before. How about a mountain where you can build a helipad, a Tesla dealership, a space observatory or even a rocket launcher for your Mars missions?
More than 5,000 plants and 500 trees were transplanted to the property.Matthew Momberger /Juwan Li
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An exaggeration, no doubt, but hardly unexpected for such an unfathomable property (it has to be overpriced, right?). The closest rival is way down in Bel Air, a lower altitude where developer Nile Niami is asking for $500 million for The One, a 100,000-square-foot, 20-bedroom estate. News alert—The One might not be the one anymore (although it does come with a built-in spectacular house).
“The Mountain can fit eight of The One properties with over 125 acres to spare,” says listing agent Aaron Kirman of Pacific Union Real Estate. “If the buyer wants to build a theme park as massive as Disneyland, they can, with over 100 acres to spare. You can truly create your own kingdom.” That’s Michael Jackson talk.
The Mountain’s security features include a 16-foot-tall, 30-foot-wide security gate.Matthew Momberger /Juwan Li
Off Benedict Canyon, The Mountain is among the most secure perches in the world, with its colossal citadel-style pinnacle of manicured grass, and massive 16-foot-tall, 30-foot-wide custom security gate. That’s not counting the buyer’s personal security protocols. Howard Hughes, Dr. Evil and The Sound of Music’s von Trapp family would all feel right at home here—these hills are alive. And all for…(pinky time) “one billion dollars.”
The unprecedented Beverly Hills hilltop compound boasts 1.5 million square feet of ready-to-build zoned lots, proximity to Rodeo Drive shopping, and birds-eye views stretching from downtown L.A. to the Pacific Ocean to Catalina Island. All neighbors are out of binocular range—the nearest house located a half-click away. This compound may even be paparazzi proof.
The nearest neighbor is a half mile away.Matthew Momberger /Juwan Li
“Our likely buyer for this property is an individual who wants to build his or her own compound,” says Kirman. “This is the only opportunity to own your own mountain that looks down at all of Los Angeles. The views will be preserved in perpetuity…”
The Mountain will certainly catch the eye of trophy hunting Russian oligarchs and Middle East royalty. Kirman says the property is ideal for someone looking to make a grand entrance into Los Angeles society.
The Mountain’s billion dollar views stretch from downtown L.A. to Catalina Island.Matthew Momberger /Juwan Li
Secured Capital Partners poured millions into developing The Mountain’s land, positioning it to officially hit the market on August 6. The Mountain includes 17 football field-sized parcels of land, six of which cascade down surrounding elevations—ranging from 2.7 to 12.2 acres, all zoned and ready for residential building.
The buyer will be permitted to build dwellings up to 48 feet tall (12 feet higher than current codes) thanks to a vested grandfather clause. More than 5,000 plants and 500 trees were transplanted to the property, which also features stone aggregate roads leading to a cobblestone drive, extensive landscape lighting around the entire property, and a water feature sculpture garden.
The Mountain’s sculpture gardenMatthew Momberger /Juwan Li
“To be able to claim ownership of the largest property at the highest point in all of Los Angeles will make the buyer the most prestigious billionaire overnight,” says Ronald Richards (Ronald Richards and Associates, APC), counsel and spokesperson for Secured Capital Partners. Ironic, considering the buyer will undoubtedly value intense privacy.
Secured Capital Partners transformed The Mountain with vital infrastructure improvements—utilities, electricity, road work, fiber optics. This includes an advanced storm drain system and water retention basin; fire hydrant booster system; and a backup generator that can power 300,000 square feet of buildings during a citywide power outage. You won’t find that at Home Depot.
View of downtown L.A.Matthew Momberger /Juwan Li
Formerly known as Vineyard Beverly Hills, The Mountain’s land was owned by various trusts, entities, royals (the Shah of Iran’s sister) and celebrities (game show impresario Merv Griffin) since the 1970s, but it was never developed until now, according to Kirman. Even actors Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt once showed interest, according to Bloomberg. In 2018 ownership transferred from Tower Park Properties to Secured Capital Partners which consolidated multiple parcels into one large real estate diamond to maximize the property’s extraordinary value.
“My team has identified that there are 100 billionaires who would be interested and can afford this property in the world,” says Kirman, who believes the property will set a new Los Angeles and world record. “I’m fortunate to have personal relationships with half, the other half we’ll find.”
The property is nearly twice the size of Disneyland’s theme park.Matthew Momberger /Juwan Li
Beverly Hills has sprouted many things over the last century—lima beans, water, oil, and movie stars. The modern crop seems to be free-spending billionaires. Oil and water may not mix well. But billionaires and mountain hideaways do.
