In a recent conversation on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, Perrie Edwards of Little Mix expressed her profound disbelief and sorrow over the tragic passing of Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction. Payne, who died at just 31 years old after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, left many in shock, including Edwards, who remarked that the news felt surreal and deeply upsetting.
Edwards, who rose to fame after winning The X Factor in 2011—just a year after One Direction was formed—shared that her group had developed a connection with the boy band. She recalled the emotional toll of hearing about Payne’s death, describing it as “weird” and “absolutely devastating.” Her heartfelt comments included sympathy for Payne’s family, especially for his young son, Bear, and his former partner, Cheryl Tweedy.
The singer highlighted the collective grief among her bandmates, revealing that they exchanged messages upon hearing the news. “It felt very close to home,” Edwards noted, reflecting on the intertwined careers they shared with One Direction. The emotional weight of the situation was palpable for her; she mentioned how the headlines made her body feel “weird,” underscoring the shock and sadness that reverberated through the music community.
During the podcast, Edwards also discussed the complexities of fame and its often hidden challenges. She differentiated between success—characterized by joy and fulfillment—and fame, which she described as having a “dark side.” While she once aspired to be a renowned pop star, she now recognizes the burdens that come with it, including intense public scrutiny and personal struggles.
Amidst these challenges, Edwards emphasized the importance of surrounding herself with supportive people to help navigate her emotional landscape. She shared her experience with anxiety, mentioning that she sometimes brings her therapist to work to manage her panic attacks. This candidness reflects her understanding of the pressures that accompany fame, an issue that many artists face in the spotlight.
As a member of Little Mix, Edwards has enjoyed immense success, including five UK number one singles and a series of top 10 albums. Currently, the group is on hiatus, allowing members to explore solo careers. Edwards has already released several singles this year and is gearing up for her debut solo album. Through her music and openness, she continues to connect with fans while grappling with the profound impacts of loss and the complexities of her journey in the
public eye.
