Liam Payne is an English singer and songwriter best known as a member of the globally successful boy band One Direction. Born in Wolverhampton, England, he initially auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 and again in 2010, where he was ultimately grouped with four other contestants to form One Direction. Following the band's hiatus in 2016, Payne launched a solo career, releasing singles like "Strip That Down" and "Familiar." He has also collaborated with various artists and continues to pursue his music career while exploring other ventures.