April 2010 was a big month in the life of Harry Styles. Having only recently turned 16, he entered the popular UK TV talent show The X-Factor. He was eliminated from the contest despite progressing to the show's Bootcamp.
However, what followed was to change his life forever. The rejection was savage, but a reprieve followed almost immediately, as he was entered into a boyband with four other members, also jettisoned. Styles suggested the name One Direction, and the cliched boy band went on to finish third on the show.
That was enough to convince music mogul Simon Cowell to sign them to his Syco label, and the phenomenal success that followed barely needs to be spoken about.
They split in 2016 after achieving almost everything imaginable, with Styles, now a multimillionaire, still just 22 at that point, embarking on a solo career that has, similarly, hit almost implausible heights.
Styles' distinctive sound, artistic vision, and charismatic presence are all essential qualities that have established him as a formidable force in the entertainment world.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Styles has made significant contributions to cinema, showcasing his acting abilities in critically acclaimed films such as Dunkirk, Eternals, Don't Worry Darling, and My Policeman.
His versatility was further highlighted through his guest-hosting appearances on The Late Late Show, where he charmed audiences on three occasions as he stepped in for regular host James Corden in 2017, 2019, and 2023.
Recent developments have ignited excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. Styles, now 30, was spotted in a recording studio in March 2024, and he shared the stage with the legendary Stevie Nicks at BST Hyde Park in London in July this year. These developments have fuelled speculation regarding his fourth solo album, with a big 2025 expected.
STRIPLV: Should we expect a fourth solo album from you in 2025, or should we all calm down? STYLES: Ah, expectation is part of the fun, isn't it? I can't give away too much just yet, as I like to keep a bit of mystery alive. But trust me, when the time is right, you'll definitely hear about it. Music is a journey, and I want to make sure it's a captivating one for both me and the fans. So, hang tight. STRIPLV: The fact you have asked about Glastonbury in 2025 suggests new music is on the way. (The festival is renowned for timing its artists with album releases in that year.) STYLES: Well lots goes on in terms of timing in this industry. In fact, the whole thing would collapse were it not for the intricacies of timing, so I can't admit or deny anything, but the clues are there, I guess. STRIPLV: Although you were too young to experience a more serene music industry in days gone by, does the fact that so much is manufactured and planned to the finest detail take something away for you? STYLES: It's a fair question and I would respond by saying it's all I've ever known. There was certainly a lot more of an organic way of getting music out there in the past, but I think the digital era brought a level of planning, structure, and accessibility that we were never then going to go back on. On a very simple level, it has connected people with music and ensures they will never miss something they don't want to miss, so that can only be a good thing, right? STRIPLV: Have you enjoyed your hiatus from the music world, or have you been keeping your hand in? STYLES: My time away has been a mix of reflection and creativity. I think it's always essential to step back and recharge, even for just a short amount of time, to allow for personal growth and realize where you are in the world and within yourself. I feel like I've embraced life in a different light, traveling, spending time with people that I love to spend time with, and exploring new creative avenues. That said, I can't help but dabble in music here and there, as you've probably seen me pop up from time to time. Inspiration can strike at any moment, and it's been nice to keep my creative juices flowing while savoring some downtime. Balance is key and I've loved every moment of it. STRIPLV: Yes, we did see your appearance in July. What was it like playing on stage with a legend like Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac in the UK during the summer? STYLES: Sharing the stage with Stevie Nicks was genuinely surreal and an experience I'll never forget. She's an icon and an absolute force of nature. When we performed together, I felt an incredible energy – not just from her, but from the audience as well. It was magical to connect through music with someone who has inspired so many. The way she commands the stage is something to behold. I felt honored to be a part of that moment, and it reminded me of the timeless power of live music and the magic it creates. As much as there are bad parts of the industry, just as with most different things in life, sadly, I love the great parts of it, and playing live with some incredible people is unrivaled for me. That was most certainly one of those moments. STRIPLV: How much have you enjoyed crossing over to acting with excellent roles in Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman? STYLES: Oh wow, yeah, it's been an exhilarating adventure, and I'm so privileged to go into that world and be alongside and learn from some wonderfully talented people. Each role allowed me to explore new facets of storytelling and dive into characters that challenge me in unexpected ways. It's a different form of expression, but it resonates deeply with me and I've learned so much through these experiences, particularly about vulnerability and emotional depth. The opportunity to work with talented filmmakers and actors has enriched my perspective as an artist. I'm grateful for every moment spent on set, as each project adds a new layer to my creative journey and I'm excited for what's to come. STRIPLV: Who has inspired you most since going into acting? STYLES: I'm not really the type of person to go fanboy when talking about films I have been in. I think when you're there doing it, you have to feel you are an equal, and you have to feel you deserve your place there. I extend that same license to my band and the people I perform with. We are all there together, and the music is our collective gift. That's the way it should be, in my opinion. So, I wouldn't really namecheck people I have worked with. What I will say is that I grew up as a huge fan of David Hasselhoff. That Baywatch era was iconic, and Knight Rider before that was a generational thing that I was too young to get, but I have watched it back, and it's superb. STRIPLV: What's different about performing live and acting, and how did you transfer any of your experience of being on stage singing to a role in a movie? STYLES: Performing live and acting are both incredible forms of art, but they do require different mindsets. Live performances thrive on immediate connection and energy, where you feed off the audience's response. Acting, however, delves into a character's inner world and emotions. I've found that my experience on stage helps with confidence and presence when acting, allowing me to bring authenticity to my roles. The vulnerability required in both is crucial and I carry that spirit with me – whether I'm singing to thousands or embodying a character on screen. It's all about connection and expression, I guess. I also think that both worlds can complement each other. I definitely think I can incorporate things from my acting experience into my music when I ever perform live again because I'm not telling you if or when I will. I'm enjoying this. (Laughs) STRIPLV: Which of them would you prefer to do for the rest of your career if you were only allowed to choose one? STYLES: Wow. That's a tough question. Both music and acting hold such a special place in my heart. If I had to choose, I'd lean toward music, because music has been with me for so much longer, even though I've loved my brief entrance into cinema. There's something about the immediacy of live performance – the connection with the audience, the way a song can evoke emotion and create shared experiences – that feels unparalleled. Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries. However, I absolutely cherish acting as well; and as I say, it allows me to tell stories and explore different characters. Ideally, I'd love to continue embracing both art forms, as they each bring something unique to my life. Am I not allowed to do that? I feel really sad now and I was looking forward to working with Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino. (Laughs) STRIPLV: Would you ever like to do a musical, film, or stage show? STYLES: Absolutely, I would. Yeah. The idea of doing a musical is incredibly appealing to me. Musicals are such a vibrant blend of storytelling, music, and performance, creating a unique atmosphere that's truly magical. You must remember when you're going through acting schools musical theatre is a big part of that. Tutors tend to like it because it gets you to rehearse your acting, singing, and stage performance skills in one go. My only reservation is some of the music! That said, I've always loved the way songs can convey deep emotions and narratives and bringing that to life on stage or screen is always a fantastic experience. STRIPLV: You've now been a solo artist for longer than you were in a band. Does it feel that way? STYLES: I guess so. Being a solo artist has been an incredible journey of evolution for me, but in many ways, you are still with a band, still with brilliant musicians. One Direction shaped so many of my formative years, and we were lucky that we all got along so well. It was like a big lads' holiday, but one that, ultimately, had to come to an end at some point. Certainly, going solo has allowed me to explore different sounds and styles that resonate with my personal artistic vision. I've found a greater sense of freedom in expressing myself and experimenting with music that truly reflects who I am now. Having more control over my output means I can dive into themes and concepts that are important to me and that in itself is exhilarating.
STYLES MISSILES
Harry Styles fans always want to interact with the singer during his performances, although some occasionally take it too far.
Harry Styles has had his fair share of objects thrown at him during performances—some sparking amusement, others causing slight concern! Fans are often enthusiastic and playful, throwing various objects onto the stage.
Fruit appeared among the less harmful items, with bananas and oranges being lobbed toward the singer. These fruity gifts are generally seen as lighthearted gestures, though they can still pose a risk to the performer.
Another common item thrown is underwear, specifically bras. This playful tradition among fans is meant to express admiration and affection, and Styles often handles these moments with humor and grace, although he has resisted the urge to return the gesture.
Not all incidents have been so harmless, though. In November 2022, during a Los Angeles concert, Styles was hit in the face by a handful of Skittles, injuring his eye and forcing him to pause, mid-performance.
Similarly, in August 2022 in Chicago, a water bottle thrown from the crowd hit him in the groin, leaving him visibly in pain but able to continue the show, albeit at a higher octave.
One more bizarre moment occurred at Madison Square Garden when Styles was pelted with chicken nuggets. He briefly stopped the concert, joking with the audience and even holding up a nugget as he asked them to stop.
However, in Vienna, a more serious incident occurred when Styles was hit in the eye by an unidentified object, forcing him offstage. A man was later arrested and charged with assault.
Harry Styles on Liam Payne's death.
"I am truly devastated by Liam's passing," Styles said. "His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be alongside him as he did it."
"Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving," Styles continued. "The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend."
"My heart breaks" for Payne's family, especially his son Bear "and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did."