Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liam Payne addresses ‘ever-changing’ Oscars accent: ‘I’m not even sure if it’s an accent I can do’

Commenters said singer’s voice sounded like a mix of a Birmingham, Los Angeles and Dutch accent

Isobel Lewis
Tuesday 19 April 2022 09:02 EDT
Comments
Liam Payne reacts to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at Oscars ceremony

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liam Payne has spoken for the first time about his bizarre accent in a viral Oscars party clip.

The Wolverhampton-born singer was interviewed by Good Morning Britain at the Elton John Foundation Oscars afterparty on 27 March, where he was asked about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock.

While Payne gave a rambling answer, saying that there were “three losers in one fight”, social media users were far more interested in his accent, which was compared to both a Los Angeles and Dutch twang.

“Always good to hear from Liam Payne of Wolverhampton, Netherlands,” one commenter wrote.

Appearing on Instagram Live on Monday (18 March) night, the musician addressed his “ever-changing accent” for the first time.

“I’m good at accents, I pride myself on them,” Payne said in a clear Midlands accent. “I just wish sometimes I could do my own.

“What can I say about that really? It was quite funny. I had asked Good Morning Britain, the presenter, I said, ‘Please don’t ask me too much because I’ve had a lot to drink and I’m under-ly educated about the Oscars.’”

Payne and girlfriend Maya Henry at Elton John’s Oscars party
Payne and girlfriend Maya Henry at Elton John’s Oscars party (Getty Images for Elton John AIDS)

He continued: “I said, ‘Please don’t ask me too much’ and the very first question the man asked me was, ‘What do you think about Will Smith?’

“Now can you imagine, imagine being put on the spot in that moment and knowing, ‘I can’t say anything wrong because I’m gonna upset someone’ and I just did the best I could.’”

Payne said that he’d read back over what he said and still agreed with it, adding that: “I’m just sorry it came out in so many accents. I’m not even sure if it’s an accent I can do.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in