The internet is grieving alongside Cheryl Cole as her latest emotional performance, believed to be a tribute to her late ex-partner Liam Payne, has gone viral.
The touching song, titled “We Raised a Star,” was released as their son Bear celebrated his first birthday without his father. Fans were left in tears by the heartfelt lyrics, which describe the beauty, strength, and spirit of the little boy they raised together.
With a soft melody and raw, personal lyrics, “We Raised a Star” feels like a letter from Cheryl to Liam, and to their son, during one of the most heartbreaking moments of their lives.
The performance is part of an AI-generated music video, which only added to the emotional impact. The video quickly caught fire online, with thousands of fans commenting that they couldn’t finish it without crying.
Listen to the song below.
Liam Payne’s Death Still Shakes Fans as Son Bear Celebrates His First Birthday Without Him
The heartbreaking timing of the song’s release makes it even more emotional for fans. March 22, 2025, marked Bear’s first birthday without his father. Liam Payne, who rose to fame as a member of One Direction, tragically passed away in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. He was 31.
Cheryl Cole described the loss as an “earth-shattering event.” In a statement at the time, she shared, “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.”
Alongside her message, Cheryl also shared a never-before-seen photo of Liam with Bear. Fans, friends, and fellow celebrities, including Simon Cowell, poured out support. Cowell wrote, “I have met your son Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in your eyes you have. He will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.”
Liam and Cheryl’s romantic relationship ended not long after Bear’s birth in 2017, but they remained devoted co-parents. Liam even helped Cheryl buy a home near his in Buckinghamshire, ensuring he could stay close to his son. Though Liam spent much of his later life in the U.S., he stayed in regular contact with Bear through FaceTime calls and visits when possible.
In his final birthday video posted in August 2024, Liam called Bear his “mini me,” saying, “Bless him. He’s getting so big now. He’s a big boy and he looks like a mini me. As if we needed any more me in the world.”
Bear is now expected to inherit Liam’s estate, reportedly worth $46 million. A source told The Daily Mail, “It is a small consolation that Bear will never want for anything… he will at least benefit from that.”
Despite their fame, both Cheryl and Liam tried to shield Bear from the spotlight, wanting him to enjoy a normal childhood. In recent years, Cheryl shared small glimpses of Bear’s growing love for music and performance. One video showed Bear’s excitement backstage during the Girls Aloud tour, and another captured him asking to go to the park in a strong Geordie accent, just like his mom.
Now, as Bear grows older, fans are reminded of Liam’s legacy through him — his smile, his voice, and the love he left behind.
