In a heartfelt revelation, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the renowned composer of Sunset Boulevard, shared that Nicole Scherzinger had been in contact with the late Liam Payne until the day of his untimely death. Speaking candidly in an interview with Billboard on October 24, Webber expressed his admiration for Scherzinger’s strength during an incredibly challenging moment.

“I suppose something that hasn’t been said, and I suppose I could say, is that of course she mentored Liam, from One Direction,” Webber revealed. “On the Wednesday when he died, she was still texting him that day.”

Scherzinger, 46, who rose to fame with The Pussycat Dolls and currently stars as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, had to push through unimaginable grief upon learning of Payne’s passing. Despite the devastating news, she fulfilled her commitment and performed that very night.

“She’d just heard that he died, and the fact that she even did the show at all is extraordinary,” Webber shared with deep admiration. “I mean, she is an amazing, amazing woman. She is without any question one of the finest performers I’ve ever worked with.”

Nicole Scherzinger’s connection with Payne dates back to 2010 when he first auditioned as a teenager on The X Factor UK, where Scherzinger served as a judge. From the outset, she recognized Payne’s potential and became a constant source of support throughout his career.

More recently, Scherzinger and Payne reunited on Building the Band, a Netflix talent competition series that also featured Kelly Rowland from Destiny’s Child as a judge and AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys as the host. Filming for the show concluded in August 2024, and it had been slated for release later this year. However, following Payne’s passing, the show’s future now remains uncertain.

Payne’s tragic death, confirmed by Us Weekly on October 16, has left the music world in shock. The 31-year-old star reportedly fell from the third-story balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An autopsy report revealed that he died from “multiple traumas” resulting from both internal and external hemorrhages.

Liam Payne first captured the world’s attention on The X Factor UK, where he, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, formed the globally successful boy band One Direction. The group enjoyed meteoric success until 2015, when Zayn Malik left the band, and the remaining members announced an indefinite hiatus.

The news of Payne’s passing devastated his former bandmates. On October 17, One Direction’s remaining members—Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik—released a joint statement on Instagram.

“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the group wrote. “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam. Louis, Zayn, Niall, and Harry.”

Payne’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, with fans and colleagues alike paying tribute to the talented artist whose journey began on a humble talent show stage. Scherzinger’s bond with Payne exemplifies the profound connections formed within the music industry, as well as the personal support systems artists often develop behind the scenes.

As Nicole Scherzinger continues her run in Sunset Boulevard while grappling with the loss of a dear friend, her professionalism and resilience stand as a testament to her strength and character. Her ability to carry on, even in the face of personal tragedy, has earned her admiration from peers and audiences alike.

Whether Building the Band will air or remain unreleased in the wake of Payne’s passing is still unknown, but one thing is certain: Liam Payne’s legacy will endure through the memories of those who knew and loved him, as well as through the music that defined his career.

Scherzinger’s unwavering support for Payne, from his teenage years to his final days, highlights the profound impact mentorship and friendship can have in an artist’s life. As she reflects on his life and legacy, her strength continues to inspire those around her, proving that even in the darkest moments, the show must go on.