Louis Tomlinson says he never doubted that Harry Styles would rocket past every other One Direction member once the band ended.
At a Glance
- Tomlinson “always knew” Styles would dominate as a solo artist
- He also predicted Niall Horan would thrive
- Only “two” members usually prosper after a band splits, he notes
- Why it matters: Offers rare insight into how the biggest boy band of the 2010s viewed one another’s chances
Tomlinson, 34, made the admission in a Billboard cover story released January 12, reflecting on life after One Direction’s 2015 breakup.
Tomlinson’s Crystal-Clear Prediction for Styles
“I always knew Harry was going to go on to do what he’s done – I’m sure he’s superseded his own expectations in the way that he’s taken over the world, but we knew he’s got everything it takes to be a great artist,” the singer told the magazine.
The praise came as Tomlinson discussed his upcoming third studio album, How Did I Get Here?, dropping January 23.
Tomlinson’s confidence in Styles, now 31, wasn’t a last-minute realization. He claims the band collectively recognized the “As It Was” hit-maker possessed the full package long before their hiatus.
Horan Earned Early Nod Too
“Niall, I had a good feeling about too – he’s Irish, he’s lovely, everyone loves him,” Tomlinson added, singling out the 32-year-old guitarist-songwriter as another potential post-1D success story.
The endorsement underlines a mutual respect between the two, despite the fierce competition that follows any mega-group split.
The Two-Artist Rule
Tomlinson leaned on pop history to explain why he never expected all five members to flourish equally.
“History says there’s not normally more than two,” he observed, referencing the common industry pattern where only a pair from any major outfit typically sustain mainstream relevance.
That statistical reality ratcheted up the pressure Tomlinson felt about his own future once the group stopped performing.
Post-Split Anxiety
“It’s really f—ing scary,” he confessed, recalling the uncertainty that followed the hiatus announcement. “I was never thinking, ‘I’ll be in that group [of One Direction alumni] that succeeds.'”
In a February 2023 interview with The Times, Tomlinson admitted the breakup left him “mortified” and “absolutely gutted.”
“I was a bit bitter, I suppose, because it just felt like another loss to me,” he said then, referencing earlier family tragedies. “But I’ve a better understanding of things now, and there’s not as much anger. It is what it is.”
Missing the Bandmates
Tomlinson told Billboard he still misses Styles, Horan, Zayn Malik and the late Liam Payne, who died in October 2024 at age 31. Yet he also values independence.
“I like doing my own thing too, and it was time for a change,” he said.
New Album on the Horizon
How Did I Get Here? follows Tomlinson’s 2022 release Faith in the Future. The project’s lead single, “Lemonade,” signals a continued blend of Brit-pop guitar hooks and introspective lyricism that has become his solo trademark.
Key Takeaways
- Tomlinson saw Styles’ global dominance coming from day one
- He predicted Horan’s success, citing likability and talent
- Industry odds favor only two breakout stars per band
- His upcoming album lands January 23, marking a new chapter after years of reflection
