Music stars pay tribute to Liam Payne after death at 31

Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys and Olly Murs are among the musicians and stars paying tribute to Liam Payne, following his death at the age of 31.

The former One Direction band member, who found fame on The X Factor in 2010, died in a fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina according to reports in the South American country.

Liam was known for being one fifth of One Direction who rose to fame in 2011 after appearing on The X Factor, when judge Simon Cowell placed him in a band with Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan.

READ MORE: Liam Payne - from boyhood dreams on X Factor to the biggest boyband in the world - fans mourn tragic death

He went on to have a successful solo music career after leaving the band in 2016. Payne’s debut single, 'Strip That Down', was released that year, and he also collaborated with artists such as DJ Zedd and J Balvin.

The news has sent shockwaves around the world, with devastated fans and showbiz stars paying tribute. Singer Olly Murs, who also starred on The X Factor said the news was "devastating" and that he was "lost for words".

Sharing a picture of himself alongside Liam on Instagram, the singer wrote: "We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together.

“Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his family and of course his son Bear losing a dad. x am thinking of them! RIP Liam."

Irish singing and television duo Jedward, who also appeared on The X Factor wrote on X: "RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family."

And former X Factor host Dermot O'Leary posted a touching tribute on his Instagram saying it was the "worst news". The presenter added: "I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra.

"He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble."

American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, who co-wrote Liam's song 'Bedroom Floor', wrote on his Instagram story that he was "in shock". Sharing a picture and video clip of the star he added: “Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone.”

Rapper Ty Dolla Sign wrote on his Instagram story with a video of Liam: “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr.”

Zedd, whom Payne collaborated with on the 2017 song 'Get Low' shared his own tribute on social media writing: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking …”

American boyband Backstreet Boys released their own statement saying: "Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat. Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother."

Fellow boyband star Max from The Wanted wrote on X: "Devastated. Liam was unbelievably supportive during one of the most difficult times in my life.

"I will never forget that. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this horrendous time. Rest in peace Liam Max x."

Singer and songwriter Mabel also penned a tribute alongside an image of the pair. She wrote: "Liam, for so many years I knew I could call you for support and big brotherly advice but now you're gone...

"My thoughts and prayers are with Liam's friends and family at this time. You'll be so missed."

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher from Oasis, wrote on X: "Life is precious kids and you only get to do it once go easy."

In the replies to his tweet, one person asked if he has seen the news about Liam Payne, the star wrote: "I have it's very sad."