'Still hard to believe': Fans emotional after 2025 Brit Awards honour late Liam Payne with One Direction song
Meta: Directioners have taken to X to share their emotional reactions after the 2025 Brit Awards paid a touching tribute to Liam Payne of One Direction, who tragically passed away last October. Louis Tomlinson also thanked the ceremony for honouring his late bandmate.
A One Direction reunion didn't happen at the 2025 Brit Awards as earlier speculated, but a touching tribute to the late Liam Payne currently has Directioners, One Direction fans, sobbing. During the Saturday ceremony, the BRITs remembered Payne's contribution to the music world and how he touched many lives in his tragically cut-short life. Payne passed away last year in October at the age of 33.
2025 Brit Awards honour late One Direction member Liam Payne.
Host Jack Whitehall took a moment to honour Liam Payne's legacy on Saturday (March 1) at the 2025 Brit Awards. The ceremony paid tribute to Liam's life and legacy with a heartfelt video montage, celebrating his incredible journey with One Direction and as a solo artist with a video montage. Towards the end of the event, Whitehall told the audience that it was time to "take a moment to remember a very special person who meant so much to so many of the people in this room and to millions of you around the world.
¡°Last October, we woke to the devastating news that Liam Payne had tragically passed away,¡± he continued.
The host added, "He achieved so much in the short time that he was on this Earth and was not only a supremely gifted musician but also an incredibly kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with. We have so many amazing memories of Liam here at the Brits. So tonight we celebrate his legacy, look back, and remember the remarkable Liam Payne.¡±
The video montage paid tribute to Payne's life, showcasing cherished moments from his time on tour with One Direction, intimate family moments, and even a meeting with the Queen. The video was beautifully soundtracked by One Direction's emotional ballad, Little Things.
The #BRITs2025 paying tribute to Liam Payne tonight. ??
¡ª Remembering Liam Payne (@updatingljp) March 1, 2025
? ITV1 pic.twitter.com/H0azyWdyrO
Directioners react to touching Liam Payne tribute at the BRITs
Fans of One Direction are pouring their hearts out on social media, especially X, as they react to the emotional tribute to Liam Payne at the BRIT Awards.
One fan wrote, "That was so touching, and it made me cry for Liam. He was so young and so talented. I know he is missed by so many, including me!!!"
That was so touching, and it made me cry for Liam. He was so young and so talented. I know he is missed by so many, including me!!!
¡ª Weezie (@whaweez) March 2, 2025
"I cried watching this. Even though we don't see it, Liam (his energy or his soul) will always be here with us. I know it. You meant (still mean) so much for so many people, and we love you. I hope wherever you are, you're safe now. I miss you every day," added another.
I cried watching this. Even tough we don't see it, Liam (his energy or his soul) will always be here with us. I know it.
¡ª Adenif ¡Á?¡Á will see Louis!! (@_cherrychair_) March 1, 2025
You meant (still mean) so much for so many people and we love you.
I hope wherever you are you're save now. I miss you everyday ?
One emotional fan penned, "I thought I would be sad, but dude, that made me cry. I think the most touching part to me is he was someone¡¯s family; he will never be forgotten."
I thought I would be sad but dude that made me cry. I think the most touching part to me is he was someone¡¯s family ?? he will never be forgotten
¡ª Jessica (@jessica_gonzo25) March 2, 2025
"A beautiful tribute. Still hard to believe he¡¯s not here. Gonna go have a cry now," added another fan.
a beautiful tribute ? still hard to believe he¡¯s not here ?? gonna go have a cry now
¡ª ????, danielle (@spreadalotofluv) March 1, 2025
Check out more reactions below:
bro I miss one direction so much ???
¡ª ?? psychopomp. (she/her) (@nowwhyami_innit) March 1, 2025
they filled my childhood with so much fun and excitement. one of the best memories will always be attending one of their concerts. what a timeeee ?
RIP Liam Payne #BRITs2025 pic.twitter.com/8xI8dhFmWK
The Brits Award Tribute for Liam Payne ?? It's so hard to watch
¡ª Dannii ?? ???? (@ForeverLouis_28) March 1, 2025
You should be here to see all the love we have for you Liam, Rest in Paradise ??
We love you so much pic.twitter.com/nQZNxbjt17
Liam Payne truly was an old soul trapped in a young body.
¡ª A.Angels (@AAngels05) March 1, 2025
Like all of us he was fightin his demons the difference being his were more public & scrutinised more.
The industry needs to be a reminder that there¡¯s no safeguarding in place which needs to change.#BRITs2025 #Brits pic.twitter.com/Z1uEwL5XGw
He should be up for a Brit Award tonight, not a posthumous homage...
¡ª Nise_LJPM ??? #JusticeForLiam (@Nise_ZIAM) March 1, 2025
The music industry is too used to using and destroying pure souls who have never known how to deal with human evil.
Liam Payne you won't EVER be forgotten.
I love you forever.#JusticeForLiam
Louis Tomlinson thanks BRITs for Liam Payne tribute
After the BRIT Awards broadcast, Louis Tomlinson took to X to express his gratitude for the heartfelt tribute to his late bandmate, Liam Payne. "Beautiful tribute. Miss you always, brother x."
Liam Payne died on October 16, 2024, after he fell from the balcony of a hotel room in Buenos Aires. His death case is still being investigated by the Argentinian officials.
For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
Read More