Pop icons Justin Bieber – who was among many celebrities to publicly pay tribute to the English singer – and Liam Payne used to be at the center of comparisons, sparking a fierce rivalry between the two. However, everything changed when Liam openly addressed their similar paths, leading to a heartfelt conversation that helped them find common ground.

They connected over the pressures of fame from a young age, ultimately forming a warm friendship. After the sudden passing of the ex-One Direction member last week, who outlined his emotional final wish before his death, Justin paid an emotional tribute.

Tragically, aged 31, Liam fell from a third-story balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last Wednesday night. His unexpected demise has prompted both stars — including his fellow One Direction members Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, and Niall Horan — and fans worldwide to share their grief over this devastating event.

Together with a message reading “rest easy Liam”, Bieber re-posted a poignant video montage to his Instagram Stories showing fan memorials globally, where people laid cards, flowers, balloons, and heartfelt letters mourning the artist. With an AI voice narrating in the background, it said: “Just remember, you are allowed to grieve as a fan. You are allowed to love someone you’ve never met. You are allowed to admire someone for their art.”

After the sudden passing of the ex-One Direction member last week, Justin paid an emotional tribute. (Image: Getty Images)

Years previously, Liam, who once predicted “could be as big as Bieber one day” during his audition on The X Factor, recounted his experiences on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, reports the Mirror.

The singer confessed he’d had too much to drink on Instagram one night when someone mentioned Justin, leading him to say: “the only thing between me and him is I haven’t been arrested” – a nod to Bieber’s past run-in with the law for drink-driving. Though Liam would see Justin now and then at award shows, he emphasized that he never meant any harm, but it “started some beef.”

Explaining their shared experiences, Liam felt moved to say: “I’ve always felt for you.”

He elaborated: “Number one, I’ve done all the things that you’ve done and I’ve never been caught for any of them… number two, I’ve always really felt for you, mate, and I think in our situation we all suffer from the same disease.”

Justin Bieber pays somber tribute to Liam Payne after One Direction star’s death at 31

He pointed out the difference in their support systems, mentioning: “I know in your camp you’re you, and there’s no one like you, so you can’t turn around and have that shoulder.”

Justin was touchingly receptive to the heartfelt comments, admitting that Liam’s words gave him “chills.”

In homage to Liam, fans showed up on the original video to express their sympathy, with a message stating: “Justin reposted, thank you for validating my grief over liam and please take care of yourself justin, i love you.”

Fans are uniting in their sorrow as one observer noted: “Beliebers are joining Directioners in their grief,” and another user mentioned: “Justin Bieber is a real one for showing his empathy.”

It’s been reported that Liam’s remains could stay in Argentina for about 10 to 15 days, pending the outcome of toxicology exams. When the inquiries conclude, local news sources say his body will be given to his family and returned to England.