New song featuring vocals by Liam Payne has its release postponed

New music by Liam Payne will no longer be released this Friday after the decision was reversed.

Sam Pounds, a US singer and songwriter who collaborated with the One Direction star on Do No Wrong, had previously said on social media that the track would be out on 1 November.

He had said he hoped the song "eclipses the negative echoes" of Payne's death, and acts as a "blessing" to Payne's family.

But now the release of the track which features vocals by Payne has been postponed because "it's not the time yet", the North Carolina star said.

In a statement on X on Tuesday, Pounds wrote: "Today I'm deciding to hold Do No Wrong and leave those liberties up to all family members.

"I want all proceeds to go to a charity of their choosing (or however they desire).

"Even though we all love the song it's not the time yet. We are all still mourning the passing of Liam and I want the family to mourn in peace and in prayer.

"We will all wait."

Payne died earlier this month, aged 31, after he fell from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

While final toxicology reports have not yet been made public, a source told the AP newswire service that preliminary reports suggested evidence of exposure to cocaine.

Payne had previously been open about his struggles with alcohol and addiction, following his swift rise to fame as a teenager.

Payne's father, Geoff, flew to Argentina last week to identify his son, and will bring his body back to the UK once it has been released by Argentinian officials.

Three versions of Do No Wrong, including a live mix and an a cappella, had been set to be released.

A social media post by Pounds on 26 October showed the track's black and white artwork, featuring a winged angel rising upwards towards a broken heart.

Following news of Payne's death, Pounds had shared a short video of them recording in the studio together, writing: "I can't believe you are gone."

Announcing the planned release, Pounds had written in an Instagram story: "I pray that this will be a blessing to the world like Liam has always dreamed.

"I pray angels will comfort you all every day while listening. I pray that this song will be a blessing to Ruth, Bear, and the entire family.

"I pray that this song eclipses the negative echoes. I pray supernatural positive healing power will embrace each and every one of you."

He signed off his post: "With love. Let's all BE the blessing."

Read more:
Liam Payne: A life in the spotlight

Payne's last single, Teardrops, was released in March, ahead of a teased forthcoming second album.

However, Payne had been rumoured to have been dropped by both his record label and agent following disappointing sales.

He had spent the summer filming a new Netflix project - Building The Band - acting as a mentor to a pop group constructed for the unscripted reality show. The show is currently believed to be on hold.

(c) Sky News 2024: New song featuring vocals by Liam Payne has its release postponed