Simon Cowell has paid tribute to the former One Direction star Liam Payne, saying he is “heartbroken” and feels “empty” after the singer’s death at the age of 31.

The music mogul, who put the group together on TV programme The X Factor in 2010, remembered Payne as “kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful [and] talented”.

The British musician died after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

Cowell, 65, wrote on Instagram he was “devastated”, adding: “Every tear I have shed is a memory for you.”

He said: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory for you.

“This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like?

“And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”

Payne achieved global fame alongside Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles after finishing third in The X Factor final.

Cowell continued in his Instagram statement: “I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t.

“You came back and within months the whole world know [sic] Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.

“You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a dad.

“After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago. I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have.

“He will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it. I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were.

“And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people because you left us too soon. Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family.”

Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, also posted a tribute on Instagram.

“Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way,” she wrote. “I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real. I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.

“Liam, my angel, you are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”

Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy said on Instagram Payne’s death was “breaking my heart” as their seven-year-old son Bear would have to “face the reality of never seeing his father again”.

Tweedy, who was in a relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018, said the death had been “indescribably painful”.

“As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.

“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.

“What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.

“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.”