Simon Cowell shared an emotional moment with Liam Payne‘s parents at a private funeral that was held for the late pop star on Wednesday.
Payne was remembered after his tragic death at 31, with Cowell, 65, who formed One Direction on “The X Factor,” in attendance.
In one shot, the music mogul embraces Geoff and Karen Payne as the grieving father wraps his arm tightly around Cowell.
A second picture showed Cowell wiping his eyes as Geoff places his hand on the “AGT” judge’s back.
Last month, Cowell broke his silence on Payne’s death, penning an emotional message to the fallen star.
“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” he wrote on Instagram. “Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.
“I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
Cowell first met Payne on “The X Factor” in 2010 when Payne. The British personality went on to reflect on having to reject him from the show when he initially auditioned at 14.
“I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t,” Cowell continued. “You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.
“You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together,” he remembered. “And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I met all of those years ago. I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.”