Watch Liam Payne’s very first audition on X Factor ahead of boyband stardom with One Direction
LIAM Payne fans have flocked online to watch his very first X Factor audition following reports that he has died.
The singer, 31, was in Buenos Aires for pal Niall Horan‘s tour when he tragically plunged from the third floor this afternoon, TMZ reports.
Liam was just 14 when he first tried his luck on the ITV singing show in 2008.
It was also his first encounter with Cheryl Cole, who he went on to welcome son Bear seven years ago.
As this unearthed clip shows, baby-faced Liam told the X Factor cameras: “When I’m at school, in general, I think about singing all the time.
“I should really be concentrating on my school work but I just think about singing too much.”
He is then shown introducing himself to judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl.
“A lot of people say I’m a good singer and I’ve got The X Factor but I don’t really know what The X Factor is and I believe you guys do.”
Liam wowed the three judges with a rendition of Fly Me To The Moon, by jazz crooner Frank Sinatra.
Once he had performed, music mogul Simon told him: “I’m just missing a bit of grit, a bit of emotion and actually a bit of fun, funnily enough.”
Smiling, Cheryl said: “I liked it. I think you’re really cute. I think you’ve got charisma.. you gave us that cheeky little wink.”
Agreeing, Louis added: “I think this kid could do fantastic in the show.”
Simon, unfortunately, butted in to say there was “20 per cent missing” for him.
Liam replied: “Well give me another audition and I’ll show you I’ve got that 20 per cent.”
Simon agreed to give him another chance and all three judges put him through to the next round.
Liam made it to the Judges’ Houses round but Simon decided to send him home, telling him to return two years later.
The hopeful did just that when he was 16 – and ended up landing a spot in One Direction.
On Wednesday night, a source confirmed to The Sun that Liam has died.
The singer-songwriter was staying at Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo in Argentina.
Witnesses said Liam smashed his laptop and had to be carried back to his room following an erratic incident earlier in the day, TMZ reports.
Cops were called but on arriving found Liam dead, local media have reported.
A red tent has reportedly been put up over the body as cops begin the investigation into the death.
The spokesperson for the local ambulance service said Liam’s death had been confirmed on the spot after he had fallen and suffered severe injuries.