At a Glance
- Harry Styles shares a surprising story about a Rome haircut that led him to Saint Peter’s Square during the 2025 papal conclave.
- The new single “Aperture” is a five-minute dance track and the first release from his upcoming album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
- Styles reveals how the song was the final piece added to the album, becoming a “mission statement” for the project.
Harry Styles, 31, gave an interview to BBC Radio 1 on January 23, 2026 about his recent activities, including a spontaneous appearance in the Vatican crowd when the new pope was announced. In the interview, he recounted the moment that began with a simple haircut in Rome.
The Unexpected Haircut Moment
“I was getting a haircut in Rome,” said Styles. He added that the barber stopped cutting his hair as the crowd erupted with “Habemus papam! Habemus papam!” The sudden announcement caused a wave of excitement, and the barber shouted, “Habemus papam! There’s a new pope!” Styles said he was only a five-minute walk from the square and decided to join the crowd. “It was wild,” he recalled.
Greg\u00A0James, host of BBC Radio 1, joked that the Pope might be the only person to upstage the singer. Styles responded with a light-hearted quip, “I was like, ‘Who’s this getting all this attention?'”
The barber’s reaction, the sudden chorus of Latin, and the sudden surge of people into Saint Peter’s Square created a surreal backdrop for the singer, who had never before been part of a religious ceremony. The sound of voices in Latin filled the air, and the crowd’s cheers echoed off the ancient stone.
From Rome to Saint Peter’s Square
Fans spotted Styles in the crowd on May 2025, wearing a blue jacket, sunglasses, and a grey baseball cap emblazoned with the phrase “Techno is My Boyfriend.” The hat was seen as a nod to the sonic direction of his forthcoming album. The 2025 papal conclave, held in May, saw the election of Pope Leo XIV as the successor to Pope Francis. Styles’ presence in the square was captured in several photos that circulated online.
The photos show the singer among a sea of pilgrims, many holding flags and signs, while the newly elected Pope made his entrance. The crowd’s reaction to the announcement was recorded by the barber, who was filming the moment on his phone. The images revealed a mix of solemnity and celebration, a rare blend of faith and pop culture.
A New Single and Album Details
The single “Aperture” was released on January 22, 2026 and is five minutes long. It serves as the lead single for the album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, which will be released on March 6, 2026. Styles explained that the track was the last song added to the album, describing it as a “mission statement” that encapsulated the album’s themes. He said, “We had most of the album done, and a lot of it was kind of exploring a lot of the themes that I think the song is exploring.”
The single’s danceable beat and bright production reflect the celebratory mood that Styles felt during the conclave. It also hints at the album’s blend of disco elements with contemporary pop. The track’s soaring chorus mirrors the sense of triumph felt by the Vatican crowd, tying the music to the historic moment.
The Creative Journey of “Aperture”
Styles revealed that the creative process for “Aperture” differed from the rest of the album. “Getting this song at the end, it was kind of when we were feeling our freest and just really having a lot of fun at that point,” he said. The track’s energetic vibe reflects the celebratory mood of the conclave moment, blending dance elements with the album’s overarching disco and occasional influences.
He noted that the song’s lyrics focus on openness and the idea of a new beginning, themes that resonate with the election of a new Pope. The song’s structure, with its soaring chorus, mirrors the sense of triumph felt by the Vatican crowd. The music video, which features vibrant colors and dynamic choreography, further emphasizes the song’s uplifting message.
Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
Social media buzzed after the photos of Styles in the Vatican emerged. Fans posted screenshots of the clip, praising his presence and speculating about his motives. Some speculated that the haircut was a pre-planned stunt, while others believed it was a spontaneous decision driven by curiosity. The hashtag #StylesInVatican trended on several platforms.
The media covered the story in a light-hearted tone, with many outlets noting the contrast between a pop star and a papal ceremony. The incident was highlighted as an example of how celebrity culture intersects with global events. Critics pointed out that the moment was captured on video, making it a shareable viral clip.
Key Takeaways
- The Rome haircut was a catalyst for a spontaneous appearance in a historic Vatican event.
- “Aperture” marks a stylistic shift, positioned as the album’s thematic anchor.
- Styles’ engagement with the papal conclave illustrates his willingness to embrace unexpected public moments.
