Category - Entertainment
Liam Payne's Net Worth: How the Former One Direction Singer Made His Fortune
Liam Payne, who found global fame during his time with boy band One Direction, was found dead Wednesday at age 31 after a fall from his hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Prior to his death, Payne reportedly struggled with addiction and alcohol abuse for years, especially during his time touring with One Direction. He even checked into rehab in 2022 in an effort to try to get help.
But also before his death, Payne had a prospering career with hit singles, brand deals, and die-hard fans who loved him even after he left the popular boy band.
Read on to find out more about Liam Payne's career, his net worth at the time of his death, and the musical legacy he leaves behind.
Liam Payne's Musical Career
While Payne really found fame when he joined the boy band, One Direction, that wasn't his first time being in the spotlight. In 2008, just two years before he linked with bandmates Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, he appeared on the British reality TV music competition show X Factor. At just 14 years old, he sang "Fly Me to the Moon," and while his audition didn't land him a spot on the show, Simon Cowell's suggestion to return after he matured a bit more is what ultimately earned him his part in One Direction in 2010.
The next few years were filled with singing, touring, and increasing levels of fame. In 2011, the band released its debut album, Up All Night, which not only made headway on the UK charts, but also ultimately earned the group fame in the U.S., too. In 2012, the band played at Manhattan’s Rockefeller Plaza and released its second LP, Take Me Home. That same year, the band went on its very first tour in America when they opened for another popular boy band, Big Time Rush.
Though the band broke up in 2016, one year after member Zayn Malik left, Payne continued his music career up until his death. In 2017, Payne released “Strip That Down,” which was cowritten by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and featured American rapper, singer, and record producer Quavo. The song reached No. 3 on the UK singles chart and No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earned Payne two Brit nominations. The song was followed by several others, including “Get Low” with Zedd, “Bedroom Floor” with Charlie Puth, “For You” with Rita Ora, and "Teardrops” with NSYNC’s JC Chasez.
Liam Payne's Legacy
From the outpouring of love and support from fans and other celebrities following the tragic and untimely death, it is clear Payne made a huge impact on the music industry. Celebrities including Charlie Puth and Zedd, who the singer produced music with, took to their social media pages to acknowledge the horrible news.
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Liam Payne's family also recently spoke out since the singer's shocking death.
"We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul," his family said in a statement to BBC. "We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."
While many say Payne's solo music career was just getting started, it's safe to say given the overflow of messages and memories from celebrities and fans that he was beloved for what he had already accomplished and for his time with One Direction.
Liam Payne's Net Worth
While Liam Payne's exact earnings are unknown, according to Celebrity Net Worth, his estimated net worth is around $70 million. During his time with One Direction, the group released five albums and sold more than 70 million albums worldwide as of 2020. In 2016, the band as a whole was listed on Forbes's list of highest-paid celebrities for that year. Forbes reported that the bandmates made $110 million as a group. While Payne's solo career may not have been as lucrative as his time with One Direction, it definitely played a part in him making his millions—and earning him the passion and devotion of his many fans.
Related: George Clooney’s Net Worth: How the A-List Actor Made Half a Billion Dollars