Simon Cowell Is Not Happy With One Direction's Liam Payne Over His New Solo Record Deal

Simon Cowell has admitted he is not happy with One Direction star Liam Payne for signing a record deal with a rival label.

The ‘X Factor’ boss claimed he was annoyed the singer didn’t sign with his company, Syco, given 1D’s success with the label, with Liam opting for a contract with Capitol Records instead.

An an interview with The Sun, Simon said: “It is a bit annoying if I am honest with you – mainly because it is a another label who has now got your artist who you worked with for so many years.

“But that is the music business, unfortunately. I don’t think anyone else from the band will do that.”

He continued: “We had spoken a lot – him and I – about what he wanted to do next. My impression was that he wasn’t in any hurry to make a record because he discussed this last year. He was more into songwriting.

“I was teasing him saying: ‘If you come up with a great song, Liam, make sure it is for you and don’t give it away. When you’re readym I am ready.’

“So I was a bit surprised. Of course there is a part of you that goes, ‘Maybe we should have had the conversation.’ That maybe is my fault but it has happened now.”

Liam’s new deal meant he was the first 1D star to sign outside the Sony family, of which Syco is a part of.

Zayn Malik signed with RCA when he went solo last year, while Harry Styles recently joined Colombia, and Niall Horan is thought to have stayed with Syco.

Louis Tomlinson has moved into working with artists on the Syco roster, and is about to launch a new girlband with Simon.

But while Simon may be frustrated with Liam, he admitted that the boybander had made Cheryl Fernandez-Versini very happy since they embarked on a relationship in December, and even hinted kids could be on the cards for the couple.

“Cheryl would be an amazing mum. I have seen her with my son Eric and other kids over the years and she is incredible,” Simon told The Mirror.

“She is very good with them. I think she is in a good place in her life right now.

“I had dinner with her a couple of months ago with Liam and they were great.

“I saw her the other night and she was on great form. She stays in contact on phone and text and she is good. But I do think she misses working with me,” he added.

Tap the image below to launch the slideshow...