"It’s gonna be forced if it happens"— Fans divided over speculated One Direction reunion as Liam Payne to be reportedly honored at BRIT Awards

The surviving former One Direction members are reportedly set to pay tribute to Liam Payne at the 2025 Brit Awards in March, according to a report by The Sun on January 25, 2025. Although unconfirmed, the news led to online speculations that Liam's former bandmates— Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik— might reunite on stage for the first time in 10 years since their split.

Liam Payne passed away on October 16, 2024, after falling from the third-floor balcony of Hotel CasaSur Palermo. His death at 31 left the former One Direction members and his fans devastated.

Many One Direction fans— waiting for a band reunion since 2015, when the band went on an indefinite hiatus— noted how they did not wish for the group to come together for a member’s death. However, the news of Zayn, Harry, Louis, and Niall potentially sharing a stage after so many years prompted mixed reactions from fans.

Some disapproved of a reunion where Liam Payne couldn't be present.

"Really really hope they don’t reunite, it’s gonna be forced if it happens and I know they’re not ready and I’m not ready to see them together again just yet," wrote one fan.

"I wont recover. respectfully no, let him rest in peace and let the boys grieve," said one person.

"Please no, that would be so degrading, even if you supported them as a band, as soloists they should never!! stop wanting to hang on to something that is heartbreaking," commented one X user.

"Maybe they will perform at the BRIT Award 2025 to honor Liam. But they will perform as Niall, Zayn, Harry and Louis. Not as 1D because 1D member is missing forever," said another.

Others wrote a One Direction reunion after 10 years would be iconic.

"If One Direction reunites at the BRITs, the internet is going to explode. 10 years in the making," commented one X user.

"As close to a reunion tour as we will get," said another.

"And when they sing history and Zayn sings Liam’s part, what then," wrote one fan.

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Source says Liam Payne tribute at the BRIT Awards is "still in the very early stages of preparation"

As per The Sun report, a source involved in the music industry told the outlet:

"It would be an entirely fitting way to honor Liam and talks are already underway about how to make this segment of the Brits unforgettable."

The source reportedly noted Liam Payne's love for the BRIT Awards, adding that the late singer attended the event and performed:

"both with 1D and as a solo artist, and will forever be part of the show’s history."

However, whether or not the surviving One Direction members will come together at the 2025 BRIT Awards to pay tribute to their late friend and bandmate's legacy remains uncertain. The source reportedly said:

"It’s still in the very early stages of preparation and the finer details are still being worked out, with official approaches to be made in coming weeks, but there are set to be a mixture of performances, tasteful photo and video montages and a live orchestra."

The source added:

"As well as the possibility of the One Direction lads being involved, other stars from the industry will be on hand to remember Liam on the night."

One Direction's last performance at a concert as a band of five members was in March 2015 in Hong Kong. After Zayn Malik's departure in the same month, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan's next concert performance as a band was in Sheffield on October 31, 2015. The four of them made their final appearance together on the X Factor UK in December of that year.

Zayn, Niall, Louis, and Harry were seen together again at Liam Payne's funeral in November last year, in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.