In never-before-seen footage that recently emerged, Simon Cowell can be seen taking a subtle yet noticeable dig at Liam Payne during the early stages of One Direction’s formation, sparking a new wave of interest and discussion among fans. The footage, which was recorded during the 2010 season of The X Factor, shows the moment when One Direction was officially formed, marking a pivotal turning point in the band’s history.

As Simon Cowell, the show’s creator and judge, began to piece together the group from solo contestants who had failed to advance individually,

his remarks toward Liam Payne caught the attention of viewers, prompting speculation about the dynamic between the judge and the young singer.

In the footage, Cowell, who had been evaluating the solo performers during the auditions, can be seen giving Liam a pointed remark after he had been placed in a group with other contestants,

including Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. The comment was made in a slightly teasing tone, with Cowell remarking, “You’re not going to get away with just looking cute, Liam.”

This throwaway comment, made in the midst of the group’s formation, seemed to indicate that Cowell wasn’t entirely convinced by Payne’s abilities at the time.

It was a casual remark, but it’s one that would be remembered by fans in the context of how the band’s career would unfold. At the time, Liam Payne had already auditioned as a solo act, but was eliminated in the earlier stages of the competition, and Cowell’s comment suggests that the judge might have had doubts about his potential as a leading member of the new group.

The remark seemed to imply that, while Payne might have had a certain physical appeal, Cowell didn’t initially view him as a standout talent compared to the other members of One Direction.

However, as the band’s success grew, it became clear that Liam Payne had more to offer than just his looks. His vocal abilities, stage presence, and eventual solo career were to prove Cowell’s initial judgment wrong.

But at the time, Payne was just one of many contestants trying to make their mark in the competition, and the comment reflected the uncertainty that surrounded the formation of One Direction.

The footage has since prompted fans to revisit the early days of the band’s journey, with many expressing surprise at Simon Cowell’s seemingly dismissive attitude toward Liam. Some fans have argued that Cowell’s comment was part of his usual tough-love approach, where he would push contestants to strive harder and prove themselves.

Others, however, see the remark as a reflection of how Cowell may have underestimated Liam’s potential as a crucial part of the band. The comment came at a time when One Direction was still being molded into the global sensation they would eventually become, and the fact that Payne was placed into a group alongside four other talented contestants gave him a platform to shine and showcase his true talents.

The discovery of the footage has led to widespread debate on social media about Cowell’s influence and the way he shaped the careers of One Direction’s members.

While Cowell is credited with discovering the band and guiding them through the early stages of their rise to fame, some fans question whether he fully recognized Liam Payne’s star potential from the beginning.

For many, the remark has added a layer of intrigue to the band’s formation, raising questions about the behind-the-scenes relationships between the judge and the band members during their early days on The X Factor.

Despite Cowell’s initial skepticism, Liam Payne would go on to become one of One Direction’s most recognizable and successful members.

His vocal range, emotional depth, and strong stage presence helped establish him as a key player in the band’s dynamic, and he eventually carved out a successful solo career after the band’s hiatus in 2016.

While the comment may have been seen as a small, offhand remark, it has since become a symbolic moment for fans who have followed Liam’s journey, highlighting the transformative nature of his career and the ways in which early judgments sometimes don’t reflect an artist’s true potential.

The emergence of this footage also sheds light on the complex dynamics that were at play in the early days of One Direction. The band was formed out of individual solo acts who had faced rejection on their own, and their success came from the chemistry and synergy that developed between them.

Cowell’s role in putting them together has been widely praised, but this newfound clip gives fans a glimpse into the moments of uncertainty that accompanied the group’s early development. At that point, none of them were guaranteed the fame and success they would eventually achieve, and it serves as a reminder that, while they eventually became global superstars, their journey was not always smooth or guaranteed.

In the end, Simon Cowell’s remark toward Liam Payne in the footage from The X Factor highlights the unpredictability of the music industry and the complexities of talent evaluation. It also serves as a testament to Liam Payne’s resilience and determination, as he would go on to prove Cowell—and many others—wrong about his potential, becoming a central figure in one of the world’s most successful boy bands.

This resurfaced video only adds to the ongoing narrative of One Direction’s rise to fame and the challenges they faced on their path to superstardom.