Everything we know about One Direction’s ’emotional’ Brit Awards tribute to Liam Payne
Payne was a regular at the Brits, with 1D winning seven awards together.
Liam Payne is set to be honoured with a special tribute at this year’s Brit Awards, which take place tonight as Jack Whitehall returns to host.
The One Direction singer tragically died aged 31, on October 16, 2024, after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Tributes flooded in from across the globe, from his family, former bandmates, girlfriend Kate Cassidy, and Cheryl, the mother of his young son Bear.
An investigation is still ongoing into the circumstances surrounding Payne’s untimely death while his fans and loved ones navigate life without him.
The latest organisation to pay tribute to the star is the Brit Awards, with the moment set to be ‘unforgettable.’ It comes after the Grammys and EMAs also paid their respects to the late pop star.
It was previously speculated that One Direction – which also included Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan – could reunite for the occasion after going on indefinite hiatus in 2015.
Payne died aged 31 on October 16, 2024 (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)However, it was later confirmed that an official tribute from the foursome was not on the cards, as The Sun claimed a reunion of sorts would ‘distract’ from remembering Payne himself.
A music insider told the publication: ‘It has been a really emotional time for the lads and it was decided it would just be too much.
‘They have grieved in private and don’t feel the need to do a big, showy tribute for the sake of it.
‘Millions of fans will be disappointed not to see them back on stage together but the time is just not right.
‘Apart from anything else, Zayn lives in America now and they are all at different places in life.’
One Direction won seven Brits in their five years as a band (Picture: JM Enternational/Redferns)They declared that ‘a One Direction reunion is not on the cards at all.’
A source previously explained to The Sun that the tribute for Payne at this year’s Brits has generated ‘a real buzz’ around whether his bandmates would be back on stage together for the first time in five years.
It was initially claimed that talks were ‘underway’ for the ‘fitting’ tribute to take place for an emotional segment.
The mole went on to say that other musicians could be involved in the tribute to the beloved singer.
Performers for the 2025 include Sabrina Carpenter opening the show, followed by Jade and Sam Fender, plus more.
It was speculated the world-famous boyband could reunite for the event (Picture: JM Enternational/Redferns)Meanwhile, Dua Lipa, Chappell Roan, Raye, Coldplay, and Charli XCX have all been nominated in top categories and could take home trophies.
Payne and One Direction attended the Brits many times over the years, with the band scooping seven awards since their formation in 2010 on The X Factor.
The insider said that Payne ‘loved’ the annual music event and will ‘forever be part of the show’s history.’
So instead of a lavish 1D performance this time, it’s thought Payne’s tribute will instead consist of music, tasteful photo and video montages, and a live orchestra.
It’s unclear whether the other One Direction boys will provide pre-recorded clips or written messages.
This year’s Brits tribute to the Strip That Down hitmaker comes after one was unveiled at Clevedon Pier in Somerset, 10 years after the boyband filmed a music video there.
An investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding how Payne died (Picture: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)The What Makes You Beautiful singers filmed You & I there in 2014, with fans feeling a ‘connection’ to the late singer at the historic site.
Other recent gestures in Payne’s memory have included the band’s hit documentary This Is Us becoming available to watch on the big screen for one night only, with proceeds donated to charity.
Announcing the news, Odeon shared that money raised from ticket sales would go to mental health awareness charities Mind, SAMH and Aware NI.
As for the police investigation into Payne’s death, the latest development saw manslaughter charges dropped against two hotel workers and Payne’s former manager and friend, Rogelio Nores.
A pair of employees accused of selling Payne drugs before his fatal fall will remain in prison after being told they still face prosecution and probable trial.
The Brit Awards 2025 air tonight on ITV and ITVX at 8.15pm, with the show ending at 10:40pm.
This article was first published on January 26.
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