'Love you Liam, mammy Mary' - X Factor's Mary Byrne in emotional Liam Payne tribute

Singer Mary Byrne has paid tribute to Liam Payne after his tragic death at the age of 31 in a balcony fall in Argentina this week.

Dubliner Mary competed on ITV talent show the X Factor in 2010, the same year One Direction were formed on the show by Simon Cowell having auditioned separately. Mary has said she felt like a "mammy" to the One Direction lads Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne as they were all teenagers or in their earlier 20s when the show aired.

Mary paid a heartfelt tribute to Liam this week. She said: "Remembering Liam Payne from our days on The X Factor brings back a flood of bittersweet memories. He was such a kind, considerate young man, someone whose talent shone as brightly as his warm spirit.

"From the moment he stepped on that stage, it was clear that Liam was destined for greatness. His voice, strong yet tender, captivated everyone who heard it, and his dedication to his craft was unparalleled.

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"But more than his talent, it was his humility and care for those around him that truly set him apart. Even in the whirlwind of the show, with all the pressures and expectations, Liam always found time for others, offering words of encouragement, a helping hand, or a simple smile to lift someone’s spirits. He had an innate ability to make everyone feel seen and appreciated, even as his own star continued to rise," she added.

Mary went on to add: "Tragically, he left us far too soon, leaving a void in the hearts of everyone who knew him or had the privilege of witnessing his talent. Yet, his legacy lives on in the music he created and the lives he touched.

"Liam Payne was more than just a gifted performer—he was a beacon of kindness and passion, and his memory will forever remind us of the beauty of a life lived with purpose, even if it was cut far too short. Love you Liam, mammy Mary xxx"