Heartbroken Shawn Mendes stops live concert to pay tribute to Liam Payne after his ‘completely devastating’ death

POPSTAR Shawn Mendes called a halt to his live show in Brooklyn to pay tribute to Liam Payne following his "completely devastating" death.

The Senorita singer paused his gig at the Paramount Theater as he reflected on the passing of the One Direction hitmaker, who died after falling from the third floor of his hotel balcony this week.

Shawn, 26, told how he had met the X Factor alum "a couple of times" and addressed how "the world was now crying" for the Little Things singer.

The Canadian, who wore a white top and dark trousers, with a guitar slung around his body, took the mic in his hand as he addressed the crowd.

He said: "I got to meet Liam a couple of times, and he was a beautiful soul and his eyes gleamed, it was beautiful.

"It’s about grieving those we miss with tears and it’s also about celebrating them and who they were and what they left in this world and I just want to take a second to send so much love to him wherever he is up there.

"Liam, we love you.

"The world is crying for you, brother, and we’re all praying for your son and your family.

"I miss you. This one’s for you tonight, Liam, from all of us."

Shawn then went on to perform his unreleased track Heart Of Gold in a dedication.

He has treated fans to a rendition of the tune before, yet it hasn't hit the charts as yet.

In the chorus he chanted out: "You had a heart of gold/You left too soon, it was out of your control/Underneath your skin and bone/You had a heart of gold."

HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES

Shawn's dedication came after Liam's former partner Cheryl released a heartbreaking message addressing the father of her child.

The pair share son Bear, aged seven.

Girls Aloud singer Cheryl shared a touching photograph of him with baby Bear next to a heartbreak emoji.

She added a statement on Instagram that said: "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."

Cheryl went on: "Before you leave comments or make videos, ask
yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.

"Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last."

It comes as...

• Louis Tomlinson seen for first time since Liam's death
• Tragic messages prove Louis was 'reaching out to Liam'
• Liam's worried friends planned an intervention over his drink & drug use
• Cops reveal minute-by-minute breakdown of events before Liam's death
• Liam's phone key to solving death mystery - as cops hunt drug dealer
• One of the last people to see Liam alive reveals ‘disturbing’ behaviour
• Liam was 'dropped by his record label' days before he died

Liam's partner Kate Cassidy also issued an emotional statement on his premature passing.

X Factor head honcho Simon Cowell then admitted "every tear shed is a memory of you."

The star's bandmates have also come out in force with tributes, with Pillowtalk singer Zayn Malik admitting he was "in bits."

Louis Tomlinson was also said to be "constantly reaching out" to Liam shortly prior to his passing.

Meanwhile, loyal fans have also launched a fundraising page for a charity which was close to Liam's heart.

SAD PASSING

Liam's family released an emotional statement on his premature passing this week.

It read: "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.

"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space during this awful time."

Liam was in Buenos Aires for pal Niall Horan's tour when he tragically plunged from the third floor on Wednesday afternoon.

A source confirmed to The Sun that Liam has died.

Liam shared a post on Snapchat only minutes before his death and showed him and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy looking into a mirror.

The singer-songwriter was staying at Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo.

Crowds of heartbroken fans have gathered behind a cordon outside the accommodation to pay tribute to the star.

The star's cause of death has since been revealed as well as Liam's tragic final hours.