Simon Cowell has spoken out for the first time since the death of former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 31.

He was nowhere to be seen at Winter Wonderland's VIP launch night, which took place hours after Liam's funeral, despite planning to attend up until the last minute. Fans had feared he'd been overcome with grief, as the pair had worked closely together after first meeting on X-Factor when Liam was just 14.

Former “ American Idol ” judge Simon Cowell attended the funeral services for Liam Payne on November 20. According to Page Six, Cowell was in tears as he embraced Payne’s parents at the cemetery.

Former X Factor boss Simon Cowell was supported by Liam Payne's parents as he attended the intimate funeral for the late One Direction singer, who died at the age of 31

Music mogul Simon Cowell was comforted by Liam Payne's parents during a funeral service for the recently deceased singer. Payne died at the age of 31 on October 16 after falling f

Liam Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, was spotted in public for the first time since the former One Direction bandmate’s funeral last week. The model, 25, was seen in central London on Thursday, November 28,

Liam Payne's 25-year-old girlfriend Kate Cassidy was spotted all teary-eyed outside a London cafe, days after the singer's funeral.

Liam Payne's grieving girlfriend Kate Cassidy appeared to fight back tears as she was seen for the first time since the One Direction star's funeral. Pictures obtained by the Daily Mail on Friday, November 29,