X Factor's Sinitta hopes Liam Payne's death makes people 'pray' for young singers

Music legend Sinitta had a key role in Liam Payne's own music career as she was a guest judge on ITV's hit show The X Factor when he first auditioned back in 2008

Sinitta has shared her hope that young musicians and artists can get better support in the wake of One Direction star Liam Payne's shock death.

The 61-year-old X Factor guest judge first met Liam when he was just 14 in 2008 and auditioned on the ITV talent show two years before he returned and was put into a group with his 1D co-stars. The For You singer tragically fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last week - passing away at the age of 31.

Following his shock death, Sinitta shared a heartbreaking message about him on Instagram, sharing photos of him and writing: "Oh Liam @liampayne My heart is broken. You were such a determined and talented boy and so Beautiful. You Had fire in your eyes and passion in your soul. You KNEW you were The One

"I hope your death teaches us to Pray for all of our young Super Stars. So that we can protect you better. We build you up and applaud you while you fly, we need to pray for safe landings when your wings are broken and help you heal. I will miss you Sweet Sweet Beautiful Boy. Rest in Peace. You are So loved."

xx

The star added: "I pray for all of your Family. I pray for @cherylofficial and babybear. I pray for all of your 1D Brothers @onedirection I pray for all of your Friends. I pray for all 1D Fans @oniedirection I am so sorry you have all lost gorgeous Liam."

Since Sinitta shared her comments, a petition has been set up to encourage legislation to help protect young musicians and artists. The change.org appeal was set up by fans, with a call to action stating: "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. I found myself needing to channel my emotions into something productive and this is where I am. He wanted this and I promised him in my heart I would do it. This is for him, for the boys."

The petition was initially set up with a target of 12,000 signatures but sailed passed this number and has now attracted over 120,000 - passing the 100,000 threshold which means the petition should now be debated in Parliament. The shocking news of Liam Payne's death has rocked the music world.

A statement issued via the official One Direction Instagram page, and signed off by Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, read: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing… 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."

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