
Ben Winston, the producer behind the Grammys’ In Memoriam segment, recently shared his emotional thoughts about honoring his close friend Liam Payne, who tragically passed away last October. Liam, a beloved figure from One Direction, will be remembered at the ceremony, and Winston reflected on the painful process of including the late singer’s footage among other artists lost in the past year. It was an especially tough moment for Ben, who had worked alongside Liam on various One Direction music videos, such as “Night Changes,” “You & I,” and “Midnight Memories.”
Winston opened up about the difficulty of selecting clips of Liam for the tribute, explaining that the loss was deeply personal for him. The pain was further amplified by the fact that just weeks before Liam’s tragic passing, he had been in Winston’s office. As Winston prepared for the Grammy show, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of seeing Liam’s image projected on the big screen. For him, and many others who loved Liam, the moment was heartbreaking, a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.
As the Grammys approach, taking place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Winston spoke candidly about the emotional impact of Liam’s inclusion. “He was such a beautiful, wonderful person, and I loved him dearly,” Winston shared. “Seeing him honored in the In Memoriam section, though necessary, is still a tough reality to face.” The tribute also highlights just how much Liam meant to those around him—not only to Winston but to his fans and those who worked with him.
In addition to the Grammy tribute, Liam will be honored at the BRIT Awards in March, where there’s speculation that his former bandmates from One Direction might come together for a special performance. Sources suggest that plans are still in the early stages, but the idea of the band reuniting for a tribute has fans excited and hopeful for a memorable moment. There’s a growing anticipation around the possibility of celebrating Liam’s life and career with a stage performance that could bring together his fans and loved ones.
Liam Payne’s unexpected passing in October, following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, left a void in the music world. Despite the tragedy, his legacy continues to shine through his music, and both the Grammy and BRIT Award tributes reflect the deep impact he had on those who knew him. Whether or not One Direction reunites for a tribute performance, Liam’s memory will live on in the hearts of fans and the music community