Nicole Scherzinger was still texting Liam Payne on day he died

In 2010, Nicole Scherzinger was instrumental in bringing together the sensation we now know as One Direction – and maintained contact with Liam Payne up until his untimely death. The Pussycat Dolls singer, aged 46, sat on the X Factor judging panel that decided to join Liam Payne with fellow contestants Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Zayn Malik into what would become the global phenomenon, after her suggestion to form the band.

It has recently emerged that she stayed in close communication with Liam right up until he tragically died. The star sadly passed away in Argentina on October 16, and tributes have been pouring in since.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, who worked with Nicole on the Broadway musical Sunset Blvd. , revealed this poignant detail.

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Speaking to Billboard, Lord Lloyd Webber said: "I suppose something that hasn't been said, and I suppose I could say, is that of course she mentored Liam, from One Direction."

He added: "On the Wednesday when he died, she was still texting him that day," reports the Mirror.

Despite her grief, Nicole continued with her performance as Norma Desmond on Broadway the same day, a testament to her professionalism. Andrew applauded Nicole, saying: "The fact that she even did the show at all is extraordinary. I mean, she is an amazing, amazing woman. She is without any question one of the finest performers I've ever worked with."

Footage from X Factor auditions that took place 14 years ago shows Nicole, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell contemplating the idea of forming a boy band. "This one. Right here," Nicole said as she pointed at an image of Liam and moved it to be with the other potential band members.

"If he's the standout, then he could be the leader," she added. Nicole has since paid tribute to Liam, sharing a picture of them together with Kelly Rowland while filming for their latest show.

"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," she began. "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."

The photo she posted showed Liam looking relaxed and happy as he smiled at the camera, alongside Nicole and Kelly Rowland.

"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," the heartbroken singer added.

The buzz was high for the new Netflix show, Building The Band, which was set to feature Liam alongside Nicole as part of the judging panel. In what promised to be a unique twist on music competition formats, a band would be formed without members ever meeting until the final reveal.

Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child and AJ McLean from Backstreet Boys, who was poised to host, were also on board. Netflix announced: "As former members of The Pussycat Dolls, Destiny's Child, One Direction, and the Backstreet Boys, respectively, these hitmakers will bring their unparalleled expertise and years of personal experience to the competition."

The excitement had kicked up a notch as filming commenced and the stars convened in Manchester for rehearsals.

Liam was spotted enjoying time at Manchester's Sexy Fish with his partner, influencer Kate Cassidy. But in light of Liam's tragic passing, the future of the show hangs in the balance, with no confirmation as yet if it will proceed.

In a moving joint statement following the sombre news, his One Direction bandmates expressed, "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly."

Nicole has shared a heartfelt tribute following the news that an online petition, created in memory of Liam to protect artists' mental health within the entertainment industry, has garnered over 100,000 signatures. The change.org petition for Liam's Law was initiated by a fan who expressed on the webpage: "In 2021 Liam advocated for a support system to be put in place for young artists' going through the industry. He spoke about his own struggles and the need for there to be care in place to safeguard artists' mental health. Ultimately, I am angry and saddened that the industry has let him down."

The fan pledged to realise Liam's vision, adding: "The entertainment industry, acclaimed for its glamour and stardom, is equally infamous for the enormous pressure it exerts on the mental health of artists. Resultant issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and even suicide are alarmingly high. According to research, performers are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from these issues compared to the general population."

They continued, highlighting the urgency for accountability: "In recent news of Liam Payne's tragic death as many others, the entertainment industry needs to be held accountable and be responsible to the welfare of their artists. We seek to implore lawmakers to create legislation safeguarding the mental health of artists within the industry."

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, led by MP Lisa Nandy, has expressed its openness to discussions on improving the mental health of artists. Speaking to The Sun, a representative stated: "We are very open to discussions, if and when raised, on how artists' mental health can be better safeguarded. The Government is committed to recruiting 8,500 mental health workers to provide faster treatment."