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See Liam Payne Singled Out as One Direction’s ‘Leader’ by ‘X Factor’ Judges in 2010

See how the 'X Factor' U.K. judges, including Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger, assembled One Direction, calling Liam Payne a possible band leader.

Footage of the moment that X Factor U.K. producers informed Liam Payne that they were considering him to join the group that would become One Direction in 2010 shows him keeping his cool while his fellow Directioners bite their nails with excitement. Watching the behind-the-scenes clip, which the show posted two years ago now, it’s clear how Payne, who died unexpectedly on Wednesday, was ready for fame. The clip also showed how Cowell and fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger sorted through headshots from several possible One Direction contenders, pointing out who they liked.

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