2025 Brit Awards Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Liam Payne

The former One Direction member Liam Payne received a heartfelt tribute at the 2025 Brit Awards.

This year’s ceremony, the 45th edition, paid emotional respects to Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2024 at the age of 31 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

As the evening progressed, host Jack Whitehall invited the audience to honor “a truly special individual who held great meaning for many in this room and for millions across the globe.”

“In October, we were shattered by the heartbreaking news of Liam Payne’s untimely passing,” Whitehall continued. “He accomplished so much during his brief time with us, proving himself to be not only an exceptionally talented artist but also a genuinely kind person who influenced everyone he met. We cherish the countless beautiful memories of Liam here at the Brits, so this evening, we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the extraordinary life of Liam Payne.”

A montage showcasing Payne’s time with his former band and cherished moments with his family was presented shortly afterward.

Following the tribute, Payne’s bandmate from One Direction, Louis Tomlinson, expressed gratitude on social media for the recognition of his friend.

“Thank you @BRITS. Beautiful tribute,” Tomlinson posted on X this past Saturday. “Miss you always, brother x.”

One Direction, comprising Payne, Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan, was formed through the U.K. edition of The X Factor in 2010, going on to release five studio albums from 2011 until 2015. After Malik departed in 2015, the group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016 to pursue solo careers.

Over the years following their split, the band members crossed paths at concerts and award shows, though they have never reunited in public as a complete group.

The day after Payne’s sudden passing, Styles, Malik, Horan, and Tomlinson issued a collective statement.

“We are profoundly heartbroken by the news of Liam’s passing. In due time, and when everyone is ready, we will share more,” the remaining One Direction members shared in October 2024. “For now, we will take the necessary time to mourn and come to terms with the loss of our beloved brother. The memories we made together will be cherished forever. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the fans who loved him as we did. We will miss him dearly. We love you, Liam.”

In November 2024, Styles, Malik, Horan, and Tomlinson came together to attend Payne’s private funeral in Amersham, England, marking their first public reunion since Malik’s exit from the band.

The following month, Us Weekly revealed that the members were reassessing their relationships after losing Payne.

“[Liam’s death] was a wake-up call for all of them. Before this, their communication was sporadic, lacking close connections,” a source shared with Us in December 2024, explaining that the former bandmates have since committed to rebuilding their bonds.

“They are still grieving but are checking in with one another and feel more connected than they have in years,” the insider noted. “This tragedy has brought them back together.”

According to the source, all five members of One Direction had been “in discussions for one last reunion show” before Payne’s death. Although plans are currently on hold due to the tragedy, it remains a possibility.

“The guys would love to do a tribute for Liam. They are all so devastated that discussing it as a concrete plan is difficult right now, but it has definitely been talked about,” the insider told Us. “Liam’s passing has left them all heartbroken.”