Liam Payne is an English singer and songwriter, best known as a member of the globally successful boy band *One Direction*. He was born on August 29, 1993, in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England. Payne first gained recognition when he auditioned for *The X Factor* UK in 2008 at the age of 14, though he didn’t make it to the live shows. However, he returned in 2010 and was placed in a group with four other contestants—Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik—forming *One Direction*.
The band quickly became a pop sensation, releasing hit albums such as *Up All Night* (2011), *Take Me Home* (2012), and *Midnight Memories* (2013), among others. With *One Direction*, Payne achieved worldwide fame, selling millions of albums and performing sold-out tours across the globe. Their popularity remained strong even after Zayn Malik’s departure from the band in 2015. The group eventually went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, after which Payne pursued a solo career.
In 2017, Payne released his debut solo single, *Strip That Down*, featuring Quavo. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in various countries, including the UK and the US. His debut EP, *First Time*, came out in 2018, followed by his first studio album, *LP1*, in December 2019. Payne’s music has showcased a more R&B and pop-influenced sound compared to his work with *One Direction*.
Payne has also been active in philanthropy and various charitable causes. He became a father in 2017 with the birth of his son, Bear, whom he shares with former partner Cheryl Cole.
Throughout his career, Payne has evolved from a boy band member to a solo artist, earning accolades and maintaining a loyal fanbase.