Nicole Scherzinger & ‘X-Factor UK’ Mentor Remembers Liam Payne In Emotional Letter: “It’s Been So Hard To Process You’re No Longer Here”

Nicole Scherzinger, who played a big role in forming One Direction on The X-Factor UK, is paying tribute to Liam Payne following his death.

In a new social media post, Scherzinger penned a letter to Payne in honor of his memory.

“Dear Liam, I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from fifteen years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago,” Scherzinger wrote.

She continued, “It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently. We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.”

Scherzinger said “It’s been so hard to process that you’re no longer here, but I am grateful to have known your kind heart, sweet soul and character.”

“You brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the lives of those that truly knew you. I will ‘miss you’ my friend and carry you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family,” she ended.

Scherzinger was a guest judge on The X-Factor UK during the season One Direction was formed. Payne was one of the boys who auditioned as a solo artist but was about to get cut following the Boot Camp stage.

However, Scherzinger, Simon Cowell, and Louis Walsh saw the potential in the five boys that formed One Direction and garnered support throughout their time on the ITV reality competition.

“Let’s do an imaginary boyband instead of just saying, ‘No,'” Scherzinger said on the show.

The trio went through the potential singers, putting them in groups. Cameras captured the moment the group was being assembled with Niall Horan first, followed by Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson.

“They’re the cutest boyband ever,” Scherzinger is heard saying as One Direction came to fruition. “The little girls are going to love them.”

Scherzinger said you “can’t get rid of little stars,” seeing their potential. The former Eden’s Crush and Pussycat Dolls singer also remembered that “there was a couple of cute boys” that could also be added to what would become One Direction. That’s when Liam Payne’s photo was added to the group.

Cowell suggested Payne be part of another group, but Scherzinger noted, “I don’t think so. I think that he would definitely shine. He could actually be the leader.”

Watch the One Direction formation below.