Early Years
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/4/5/18457079/745311983.jpg?125)
Liam James Payne was born in Wolverhampton, West MIdlands, England, on August 29th in 1993 to parents Geoff and Karen Payne. He also has two older sisters, Nicola and Ruth. Because he was born 3 weeks early, he had a lot of health problems, and spent the first 4 years of his life in and out of the hospital, having tests regularly done. Doctors noticed that one of his kidneys was scarred and dysfunctional, however in 2012, his kidney began to function properly once again.
The Beginning of a Star
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/4/5/18457079/469333878.jpg)
He began showing signs of his singing talent from the age of 6, singing for relatives or pub crowds on karaoke. Payne was bullied in school, so he took up boxing lessons at the age of 12. Growing up, Liam had his heart set on becoming an Olympic runner, and would wake up at 5 am to run 5 miles every day before school. However, his dream was crushed when he was rejected from being a part of the England Olympic Team at age 14. Later in 2008, when Liam was also 14, he auditioned for the X Factor. He made it to the Judges' House, but Simon Cowell thought that he was not ready for the competition, and advised him to return to the show in 2 years. Liam mentioned that he agreed with Simon's advice, because it would be tough to cope with performing live shows at the age of 15.
Below is Liam's X Factor audition in 2008:
Below is Liam's X Factor audition in 2008:
The Backup Plan
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/4/5/18457079/820320418.jpg?145)
Liam planned to come back the next year, but the age limit was raised to 16, so he decided to come back the next year. Sure enough, Payne returned in 2010 to the show singing "Cry Me A River" and all 4 judges said yes.
Below is Liam's X Factor audition in 2010:
Below is Liam's X Factor audition in 2010: