Meet Simon Cowell’s brothers: John hung out with Elton John and Freddie Mercury, Nick is a property boss, Tony ghostwrote his famous sib’s autobiography, and Michael didn’t speak to Simon for 17 years

Simon Cowell may be known for his sarcasm and harsh critiques of contestants on America’s Got Talent, but by now we also know that the tough exterior is something of an act.

When Liam Payne died last October, Cowell – who helped form Payne’s former boy band One Direction – penned a heartfelt dedication to the singer. “Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty,” he wrote on Instagram. “Every tear I’ve shed is a memory of you.”