Shawn Mendes just made a whole crowd ugly-cry on October 18th, and we’re here to talk about it. At a recent concert, the “Wonder” singer did what only a true gentleman in skinny jeans can do: pay homage to Liam Payne in a way that tugged at heartstrings harder than a One Direction fan hearing “Little Things” for the first time.
Let’s rewind a bit: Liam Payne, beloved ex-boybander and general heartthrob, passed away earlier this week, leaving fans (and apparently Shawn) devastated. And Shawn didn’t just light a candle or post a tribute on Instagram like the rest of us mortals. No, no. He went full Shakespeare-in-love mode on stage, speaking about Liam in a way that would make even the iciest souls reach for their tissues.
“We heard the news about Liam,” Shawn began, already turning the emotional dial to 11, according to People. “It felt… it felt completely devastating.” (At this point, half the audience had turned into human puddles.) “I got to meet him a couple of times,” Shawn continued, “and his eyes gleamed — it was beauty, shining into his eyes.” Translation: Liam Payne’s gaze was basically a romantic Pinterest board brought to life.
Then, in peak emotional fashion, Shawn went on: “It’s about grieving with tears, but also celebrating the legends we miss. I just want to send so much love to him, wherever he is up there. Liam, we love you.” Cue every fangirl in the building sobbing into their merch hoodies.
But it didn’t stop there, oh no. In the spirit of “Go big or go Mendes”, Shawn pulled out his guitar and performed “Heart of Gold” in Liam’s honor. (Because obviously, if you’re going to cry, you may as well cry to a sad Mendes ballad.)
Fun fact: Shawn has always had a bromantic connection with the One Direction crew. Earlier this year, he popped up at Niall Horan’s concert like a musical whack-a-mole, just to remind the world that yes, they’re still adorable friends. But the Mendes-Payne connection runs deeper. Back in 2018, Liam publicly admitted he gave Shawn some big-brotherly advice about surviving the fame game.
“With the way this lifestyle is, we don’t help each other enough,” Liam said in an interview that year, dropping truth bombs like a philosophical pop star. “I saw Shawn at an awards show, and he seemed great, but there was a little sorrow in one of his songs. I just wanted to make sure he was okay.” (Translation: Liam Payne, Guardian Angel of Pop Boys.)
He even offered Shawn the ultimate lifeline: “If you ever have a problem, call me and we can have a chat.” Yes, that’s Liam Payne offering a hotline for fame-related meltdowns. Imagine: “Hi, this is Liam. You’ve reached the ‘Help, I’m Too Famous’ support line. Press 1 for emotional advice, 2 if you need a snack recommendation, and 3 if you just want to vent about the paparazzi.”
Shawn Mendes, emotional rockstar, singing his heart out for Liam Payne, with a dash of bromantic history for good measure. If there’s a lesson to take from all this, it’s that fame can be a lonely road — but when you’ve got fellow pop kings offering you advice and singing ballads in your honor, the journey’s just a bit easier. And if all else fails? Call Liam.
Shawn Mendes talking about Liam Payne and dedicating 'Heart Of Gold' to him tonight at #ForFriendsAndFamilyOnly Brooklyn 💛 pic.twitter.com/ohSljOUvVb
— The Mendes Updates (@TheSMendesUpdt) October 19, 2024
