Shawn Mendes was so overcome with emotion over the death of Liam Payne … the singer paused his NYC concert Friday night to pay tribute to his pal.

Shawn was performing at the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre when he took a moment to tell the crowd that the One Direction star was a “beautiful soul” … and the shocking news of his death was “devastating.”

SM emotionally lamented … “Liam, we love you. The world is crying for you, brother. And we’re all praying for your son and your family, and I miss you, man. So this one’s for you tonight, Liam, from all of us.”

Shawn then performed his new song “Heart Of Gold” … which includes the chorus, “You had a heart of gold / You left too soon/It was out of your control / Underneath your skin and bone / You had a heart of gold.”

As TMZ reported … Liam’s sister on Sunday also talked of her love and admiration for the star when shared a heartbreaking note on Instagram … which included the brutal line, “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.”