Rita Ora has been left in tears as she attempted to perform a musical tribute to her late friend Liam Payne following the star's tragic death.

On Wednesday (October 16), it was reported that the 31-year-old former One Direction member had died suddenly after falling from a balcony of a third-floor hotel room.

The heartbreaking incident took place at the Hotel CasaSur in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the star had been staying.

Despite authorities attending to the singer promptly, Payne's injuries were so severe that he was unable to be revived.

The results of Payne's preliminary autopsy have now been confirmed, detailing that the singer suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external hemorrhaging” from the fall, according to a post-mortem carried out by two forensic pathologists in Buenos Aires.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the Buenos Aires emergency services, previously revealed Payne had a "cranial fracture and extremely serious injuries that led to his immediate death".

Following the heartbreaking news, many fans and stars alike took to social media to pay tribute to the One Direction star.

However, one of Liam's closest friends in the music industry - Rita Ora - was scheduled to perform in front of a live crowd in Osaka, Japan, and used the opportunity to pay tribute to Payne in her own way.

While performing 'For You' - a song that was written by the two stars and famously appeared on the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack - Ora became so emotional she was unable to perform moments of the track.

"I can’t even sing this right now," she admitted.

During the performance, a black and white photo of the two stars smiling appeared on the screen behind her.

At times, Ora pulled the microphone away from her face, as the crowd took over singing. At moments, she appeared to mouth "I'm sorry" to audience members.

The emotional moment resonated with social media users, with one fan writing on X: "That's a emotional tribute by Rita Ora, you can feel the pain in her performance."

Another fan added: "She is so brave for going on stage."

Other stars to pay tribute to Payne include fellow musician Charlie Puth, who had also collaborated with the 1D star in the past.

"I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone," Puth wrote on his Instagram Stories.

Puth followed up his message with a video of Payne presenting him with a t-shirt, and then a selfie of the pair of them.

The Backstreet Boys also released a statement saying: "Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.

"Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother."

At this time, Payne's family released a statement through a spokeperson, which read: "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."

Our thoughts continue to go out to Payne's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Rita Ora and Liam Payne

Liam Payne's heartbroken girlfriend has called him the "love of her life" in an emotional tribute message.

The late singer, best known for being a member of One Direction, tragically passed away on October 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Liam Payne tragically died at the age of 31. Credit: Jeff Spicer / Getty

Police have confirmed that the 'Teardrops' musician fell from a third-floor balcony at the Hotel CasaSur, where he was staying.

In the days since the 1D star passed, countless supporters and people close to Payne have shared tribute messages - including his former bandmates Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.

His girlfriend Kate Cassidy - who he had been vacationing with two days before his sudden death - also took to Instagram to open up about her grief.

Check out Cassidy's post below:

Cassidy was in a relationship with Payne for two years. She penned in her statement that her heart "is shattered in ways I can’t put into words".

“I wish you could see the huge impact you’ve had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now," she said. “You brought so much happiness and positivity to everyone – millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me. You are so incredibly loved."

She said Payne was her "best friend, and "the love of my life," adding: "Everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into."

"None of this feels real, and I can’t wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here. I’m struggling to figure out how to live in a world without you by my side. Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things." she said. “I can’t imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life."

Liam Payne was in a relationship with Kate Cassidy. Credit: Dave Benett / Getty

The TikToker, who often shared videos with her late boyfriend on the social media platform, revealed a note Payne had written a few weeks before his tragic passing, confessing his hopes to marry Cassidy within the next year.

“It feels like I’ve lost the best part of myself,” she penned in her tribute. “Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel."

"I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go," Cassidy emotionally concluded.

Payne was a member of One Direction. Credit: Ryan Pierse / Getty

Authorities in Argentina are carrying out tests before allowing Payne's body to be returned to the UK. According to BBC, they're also reviewing security footage, phone, and computer to establish the full circumstances of his death.

In the meantime, 90,451 people signed a new Change.org petition calling for legislation to "safeguard artists' regarding their mental health in the entertainment industry" - a change they are calling "Liam's Law".

Our thoughts continue to be with Payne's loved ones during this difficult time.

Featured image credit: Karwai Tang / Getty

Following the heartbreaking news of Liam Payne's sudden and tragic passing, each of his former One Direction bandmates have now penned a touching tribute to the star.

On Wednesday (October 16), it was reported that Payne had tragically died at the age of 31 after a tragic fall at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Payne had been staying at the Hotel CasaSur, when he suffered a fatal fall from a third floor room balcony.

The BBC reports that the head of Buenos Aires's SAME emergency medical service, Alberto Crescenti, told local television that Payne had suffered "very serious injuries incompatible with life as a result of his fall" and there was "no possibility of resuscitation".

According to reports, the results of Payne's preliminary autopsy have been confirmed, stating that the singer suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external hemorrhaging” from the fall.

Further tests are currently ongoing amid the investigation into the circumstances of his death.

As fans, friends, and family alike have all paid tribute to the star, so have Payne's former bandmates - with whom he helped create one of the most successful groups in the history of the music industry: One Direction.

Here are the full individual statements from each member.

Louis Tomlinson:

I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.

I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.

Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.

And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.

A message to you Liam if you’re listening,

I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.

I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.

I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.

Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X

Zayn Malik:

Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can't help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.

I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.

When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.

Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no [expletive]s about telling people when they were wrong.

Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.

When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional. I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.

I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.

I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are.

Love you bro.

Harry Styles:

I am truly devastated by Liam's passing.

His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.

Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.

My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.

Niall Horan:

I'm absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn't feel real.

Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.

All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a litetime.

I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking.

My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear.

Thank you for everything, Payno.

Love you brother.

Nialler

One Direction - Group Statement:

We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing.

In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

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.

We love you Liam.

Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.

Payne had originally auditioned for The X Factor back in 2008, but was asked by Simon Cowell to come back two years later.

As fate would have it, it would set Liam on the path to becoming one of the most successful names in modern pop music.

During his 2010 stint on the reality show, Payne was grouped with four other solo contestants to form a new boy band. Along with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, the five-piece became One Direction - a group that would go on to change the landscape of modern pop music.

The group quickly gained popularity in the UK and abroad, and although they ended up finishing third in the competition, Simon Cowell would sign them to his Syco Records following the show.

They released their debut album, Up All Night in 2011, which became a top seller in multiple countries.

One Direction went on to have a multitude of number one albums and singles across the globe over the years - with some comparing their popularity to that of "BeetleMania" in the 60s.

Following One Direction's hiatus in 2016, Payne embarked on a solo career. He signed a deal with Republic Records in North America, and his debut single 'Strip That Down' featuring Quavo, released in 2017, was a commercial success. It marked his emergence as a solo artist with a more R&B and pop sound, distinct from the pop rock style of One Direction.

Our thoughts continue to go out to Payne's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty

Footage of Liam Payne watching a performance from former bandmate Niall Horan just days before his tragic death has left fans heartbroken on social media.

News of Payne's death emerged on October 16, with further details now being reported.

The singer had been staying at the Hotel CasaSur in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BBC News reports that staff at the hotel had called the emergency services to report an unnamed guest whose life "may be in danger".

When police arrived at the hotel, a loud noise was reportedly heard in the hotel's interior courtyard. Authorities say Payne had fallen from his third floor room balcony and suffered "very serious" injuries with "no possibility of resuscitation".

Liam Payne was 31 years old at the time of his death.

As fans, friends, and loved ones mourn and remember the beloved One Direction star, footage of Payne supporting his former bandmate Niall Horan has emerged on social media.

It is currently believed that Payne and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy had been visiting the country for Horan's concert at the Movistar Arena, with a video of them enjoying the show just two days prior being shared online.

In the video, Payne wraps his arm around Cassidy and gives her a kiss on the forehead, as she rests her head on the singer's shoulder.

Throughout the concert, both shared updates with fans to their respective Instagram and Snapchat accounts, including one video that Payne captioned: "So happy I got to see Niall in concert."

Later than evening, Payne shared a photo of him backstage with his former One Direction bandmate, writing alongside the touching image: "Reunited", with a heart emoji.

Current reports say Cassidy also left Argentina just two days before Payne's tragic death, per TMZ.

Our thoughts go out to Payne's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Snapchat/LiamPayne

Tributes have poured in following the tragic death of Liam Payne, with celebrities and fans offering their condolences.

Payne, 31, tragically died yesterday (October 16) after falling from a third-floor balcony in Argentina.

The former One Direction star had been staying at the Hotel CasaSur in Buenos Aires.

Per the BBC, police were attending a disturbance following a 911 call regarding an unnamed guest, when they heard a noise in the hotel's interior courtyard and discovered Payne's body.

According to first responders, there was "no possibility of resuscitation."

Following the tragic news, fans have gathered outside of the hotel to pay their respects as people across the world mourn the death of the star.

Amongst those leading the tributes is Charlie Puth.

He wrote on his Instagram story: "I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone."

Puth followed up his message with a video of Payne presenting him with a t-shirt, and then a selfie of the pair of them.

Also quick to pay their respects was socialite Paris Hilton, who wrote on X: "So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."

Pop star Boy George wrote on X: "How sad is the death of Liam Payne. Just awful news to wake up to. God bless his family. I am absolutely shocked. R.I.P."

Olly Murs featured alongside Payne on the X Factor as they both propelled themselves into stardom via the talent show.

Writing on Instagram, Murs said: "This news is devastating, am lost for words."

He continued: "We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together.

"Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x am thinking of them! RIP Liam."

The Backstreet Boys also released a statement saying: "Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat.

"Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother."

Payne shared a son with singer Cheryl, who he also met on the X Factor.

Their seven-year-old son, Bear, remains out of the public eye and the couple split up in 2018.

Our thoughts continue to be with Payne's loved ones.

Featured image credit: Marc Piasecki / Getty