Nicole Scherzinger has opened up about the final text exchange she had with her protégé Liam Payne on the day he tragically died. The singer and former X Factor judge revealed in a recent interview with The Times of London that their last conversation was light and informal, with her simply knowing that Liam was in Argentina. This poignant detail underscores the close yet understated relationship the 47-year-old Pussycat Dolls star maintained with Payne, who rose to fame as a member of One Direction after being brought together on The X Factor UK, where Nicole was a celebrity judge.

Liam Payne, who tragically died aged 31 last October following a fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, had been under Nicole’s mentorship from the early days of his career. Nicole spoke fondly of Liam’s good heart and professionalism, reflecting on the deep admiration she felt for him. She recalled that when she first helped form One Direction, she recognised the power of a group from her own experience with the Pussycat Dolls and wanted to nurture their talent in a similar way. One of Liam’s final projects included the X Factor-style reality show Building the Band, where both Nicole and Kelly Rowland served as mentors, further showing the ongoing connection between them.

Despite the shock of receiving the devastating news, Nicole demonstrated remarkable professionalism by continuing with her performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s revival of Sunset Boulevard the very same evening. Lloyd Webber, the acclaimed composer behind iconic shows such as Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, later revealed to Billboard that Nicole had been texting Liam right up until the day he died. He praised her extraordinary strength and dedication, calling her "one of the finest performers" he has ever worked with. Nicole dedicated a small moment in each performance to Liam after his passing, as a personal tribute to his memory.

Nicole also reflected on broader societal issues in light of her experience with Liam’s death, expressing a wish for more compassion in the world. She criticised the damaging effects of social media and "cancel culture," highlighting the challenges public figures face in navigating online scrutiny. Weeks after Liam’s death, Nicole herself became the target of social media backlash over a comment she left on comedian Russell Brand’s post, which some misinterpreted as political support. However, this controversy did not impact ticket sales for Sunset Boulevard; in fact, revenue reportedly increased in the week following the incident.

Liam Payne’s toxicology report revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system, pointing to the complex struggles he may have faced. Nicole’s heartfelt messages, shared publicly on social media, praised Liam’s kind heart and the joy he brought to those around him, providing a glimpse into the tender bond between mentor and mentee that endured until the end.

This tragic chapter in the lives of both artist and mentor highlights not only the darker side of fame but also the enduring power of compassion and human connection amid grief and loss.

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Source: Noah Wire Services