Nicole Scherzinger pays tribute to Liam Payne after it was revealed they were texting the day he died

Nicole Scherzinger has broken her silence following Liam Payne’s tragic death at the age of 31.On Friday, the 46-year-old shared an emotional Instagram tribute to Payne.Alongside Simon Cowell, Scherzinger is credited for forming the late singer’s boy band One Direction, which included Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, in the 2010 “The X Factor” season.“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 penned alongside two pictures of her, Payne and Kelly Rowland.“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.”Scherzinger added, “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.”The former Pussycat Dolls star concluded, “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.”In August, it was announced that Scherzinger, Rowland, 43, Payne and AJ McLean would star in a new Netflix series called “Building the Band.”Scherzinger would serve as a mentor and judge, while Payne and Rowland would be on the show as sole judges.The singer also paid her respects while appearing on “Good Morning America.”“Liam and I were quite close, especially because we recently did a show on Netflix together called Building the Band,” she revealed.“And so, yeah, I’m heartbroken.

I’m heartbroken for Liam, I’m heartbroken for his family and his loved ones and his friends.”Scherzinger continued, “Liam always led with his heart and with kindness, and I really hope that’s how he’ll always be remembered.”The Broadway star’s sweet words come...