Rita Ora in tears during tribute to Liam Payne as she struggles through gig --[Reported by Umva mag]

Rita Ora shared a devastating tribute to close friend Liam Payne while on stage, following his sudden death at age 31.

The One Direction icon fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday night, state police have confirmed.

Many have paid tribute to the What Makes You Beautiful singer on social media in the wake of the tragic news, including his fellow X Factor colleagues and Anne Twist, mother of his former bandmate, Harry Styles.

Heartbreaking new footage has emerged on social media, showing Ora struggling to finish a performance of their duet, For You, while on stage in Osaka in the wake of her loss.

In videos from her concert, she could be seen looking downcast while gathering herself during the track.

At one point, she sat on stage and took a moment, telling the crowd: ‘I can’t even sing this right now.’

After asking for their help to finish the track, a black and white picture of the pair together then appeared in the background for the rest of the song.

Following her concert, Ora took to Instagram with a heartfelt tribute to Payne, sharing that their collaboration has a ‘whole new meaning’ now.

‘I’m devastated,’ she wrote, beside a string of throwback photos from over the years. ‘He had the kindest soul, I will never forget.

‘I loved working with him so much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones.

‘Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P.’

Styles’ mum, Twist, also offered her condolences on social media, posted an image of a heart emoji on Instagram with the caption: ‘Just a boy … ????’ She had known Payne since he was 16 and joined One Direction.

Payne had recently been in Argentina to attend the concert of former bandmate Niall Horan, posting pictures together backstage and interacting with fans.

First to send their well wishes to his family were fellow X Factor contestants Jedward, who wrote on X: ‘RIP Liam Payne ???? condolences to friends and family’.’

The duo followed up with ‘Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One Direction family. RIP.’

Payne has a seven-year-old son, named Bear, with the Girls Aloud star who he dated from 2015 to 2018.

The X Factor’s official account posted a tribute to Payne, writing: ‘We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.’

Katie Waissel, who appeared on the same series of X Factor as One Direction, said her ‘heart is completely torn to shreds’ and she is ‘at a loss for words.’

In a surprising addition, she added a dig at X Factor boss Simon Cowell, stating he would be a ‘fool’ to put out a statement about the ‘tragic loss’ of her ‘dear and darling friend’.

JLS legend Marvin Humes recalled his first meeting with Liam in 2008, when the Strip That Down singer was just 14 — two years before One Direction’s formation.

‘Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..,’ the Everybody in Love hitmaker continued. ‘Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..

‘Just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP ????’

Strictly star JB Gill, who was in X Factor band JLS with Marvin, also shared a tribute to Payne. Remembering that when Payne was first on the show: ‘He’d follow us around at boot camp so we tucked him under our wing admiring his enthusiasm.’

Oasis’ Liam Gallagher also seemingly alluded to the news, writing: ‘Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x’ on X.

Many fans replied to the post with tributes to Payne.

When asked by a fan what he thinks about One Direction now, Gallagher simply responded: ‘Very sad.’

X Factor host Dermot O’Leary posted a picture of himself on stage with Payne on Instagram and called it ‘the worst news’.

The This Morning star wrote: ‘I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.

‘He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx’

Another X factor star to chime in on the devastating news was Joe McElderry, who took to his Instagram stories to send ‘love and thoughts to all who knew and loved him.’

Singer Charlie Puth shared clips and pictures of himself and Payne on his Instagram story, writing how he was in ‘shock’ over the news. The pair collaborated on one of Liam’s early solo songs together.

‘Liam was always so kind to me,’ the Attention singer said. ‘He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…’

In a follow up story he added he was ‘so upset’ over the loss, signing off with ‘I am so sorry’ with a clip of Payne discussing their collaboration.

‘RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking … ????,’ wrote Zedd who previously collaborated with Payne on track Get Low.

The X account for the band Busted shared: ‘Devastatingly sad news about Liam to wake up to this morning. Our thoughts are with his family.’

Former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, shared a moving tribute to his ‘true friend’ Payne, remembering him as, ‘One of the most loyal, sensitive, dynamic, funny and unique people I ever had the good fortune to meet.’

Rapper Flava Flav also took to social media to memoralize Payne, writing on X: ‘RIP to Liam Payne,,, much too young ????????’

Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones added his voice to the continued outpouring of shock and grief from legendary musicians, posting to X: ‘I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Liam Payne. It was a pleasure to work with him on our X Factor performance. God bless Liam, thinking of all his loved ones. He will be dearly missed.????’

Juicy J, another former collaborator, shared: ‘RIP. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family ????????.’

Also sending condolences was TV star Rylan, writing: ‘Extremely sad news. V tragic and so young. RIP Liam x’

Radio 2’s Zoe Ball joined the chorus of media personalities expressing their grief, writing on Instagram: ‘Devastating news, dear Liam Payne. Thoughts & love to his family, friends and fans. ✨❤️????️’

Scott Mills shared a similar sentiment: ‘This is a really hard one to take in. Never in a million years would I think we would have to see goodbye to you so soon Liam. We had so much fun back then, and I feel so incredibly sad. Sending my love and strength to his family, his friends, and especially his son. ????’

Journalist Dan Walker posted: ‘It is incredibly sad to hear about Liam Payne this morning. I know the news will hit a lot of people very hard today.’

Lorraine Kelly also paid tribute to the singer on her show this morning, saying: ‘Absolutely awful news. I was genuinely shocked when I saw this. It was absolutely tragic. I must admit I can’t stop thinking about that wee boy as his mum Cheryl will have to break that news to him.’

She went on to say: ‘Liam did have struggles with fame. That sort of fame is crazy. We can’t comprehend what that’s like. They’d get to a hotel room in Japan and couldn’t get out the room – they’d have to draw the curtains as everyone wanted a piece on them. How you deal with that level of fame…all of us would find it nearly impossible.’

Socialite and media personality Paris Hilton said: ‘So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing???? Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. ???? RIP my friend????.’

‘Shocking and tragic,’ came the tribute from Martin Lewis, The MoneySavingExpert, adding: ‘I don’t know him but this felt like a gut punch reading this about such a young man.’

Piers Morgan simply shared the announcement and added: ‘Good grief… what a shocking tragedy.’

Dragon’s Den star Steven Barlett wrote: ‘I cannot believe what I’m reading about Liam Payne. Absolutely heartbreaking.’

Olly Murs also spoke out on the news, writing on Instagram: ‘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.’

The Wanted star Max George said Payne’s death is ‘absolutely devastating news.’

‘Over the last few years I had the pleasure of getting to know him personally and spent some treasured time with him. Liam was absolutely wonderful in terms of support when Tom [Parker] fell ill, performing at the Royal Albert Hall with us for Stand Up To Cancer.

‘He supported me a lot personally after Tom passed. I will never forget that,’ he wrote on Instagram.

Ant Middleton also paid tribute on Good Morning Britain, saying: ‘I was shocked and lost for words,’ after finding out about Payne’s death while on live TV in Australia.

He went on to say that the felt Payne, ‘Lacked a sense of belonging after he left the band’ and that his death was a ‘tragic loss.’

He also said that: ‘There was always talk of getting the band back together and his face would light up.’ He remembered Payne as a ‘proud dad.’

He later posted pictures of himself and Liam in front of a sunset on X, with the caption: ‘That was some sunset you captured there mate! A talented positive man with a good heart. I’m glad our friendship flourished and that I was someone you could confine in. Your turn to look over me now bro! Luv ya and will miss you sorely… My sincere condolences to @LiamPayne family during these unimaginable times ???????????? #restinpeacebrother’

Reporter Noel, live from New York, also relayed to Good Morning Britain audiences that he had seen a text from Sinitta that read: ‘I am in shock. I don’t know what has happened. Poor Cheryl and baby bear.’

Host Kate Garraway then said of Payne: ‘He was down to earth, humble and incredibly likeable, as are all of the members of One Direction. I’m also thinking about his family and Cheryl Cole having to tell their son what happened, especially after losing Sarah Harding.’

Richard Madeley then compared Payne to Icarus and said he’d been ‘burned by the sun.’

The official X account for the iconic boyband Backstreet Boys wrote: ‘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.’

On This Morning stars of bands McFly and Busted paid tribute to Payne and reflected on the specific difficulties associated with being in a boyband.

Payne’s boyhood football club also spoke out on the singer’s death: ‘We’re shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, Liam Payne,’ West Brom wrote. ‘Our thoughts are with Liam’s family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time.’

Laura Whitmore took to Instagram to describe Payne as ‘always so lovely and giving of his time.’

She also shared an anecdote about Liam ‘beaming’ backstage at an event as he was ‘all loved up’ with someone.

Giovanna Fletcher, I’m A Celeb winner and wife of McFly’s Tom Fletcher, shared her thoughts on Instagram as well, writing: ‘So shocked and saddened to hear the news. A little boy has lost his father. A mother has lost her son.

‘When we see someone in the public eye it can be easy to forget the very real roles and connections they have in their personal lives. I can’t stop thinking about those people.’

Her husband Tom joined his wife in sharing condolences, posting a photo of Payne on Instagram with the caption: ‘Such awful news about Liam. It’s just so sad. My heart and thoughts are with all his family and friends.’

‘Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u frfr,’ rapper Ty Dolla Sign wrote on his Instagram story, sharing a video of Payne.

Fans commented hearts and tributes on Payne’s final Instagram posts, with many deeply shaken by the heartbreaking news.

Payne’s death comes days after he was reportedly sent a cease and desist by ex-girlfriend Maya Henry over ‘obsessive’ contact.

Payne was 16 when he joined One Direction after being put in the group during an X Factor audition.

He was staying at the Hotel Cas Sur in the neighbourhood of Palermo when he fell from a balcony, though whether the fall was intentional or accidental has yet to be confirmed.

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