Niall Horan is getting candid about life after One Direction, and the complicated feelings that can come with watching former bandmates reach new heights. The singer recently admitted that seeing friends like Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson release music and headline major tours sometimes sparks a feeling he describes as “nearly jealousy.”
It’s not bitterness, though. If anything, Niall says it pushes him to work harder.
Niall admits “jealousy” over Harry Styles’ massive career success after One Direction
Speaking to The Sunday Times, the Irish singer reflected on the solo careers that followed One Direction’s 2016 hiatus and explained how watching his former bandmates succeed motivates him creatively.
“Watching mates release stuff is fuel to the fire, there’s nearly a jealousy to it,” Niall told the publication.
The 32-year-old quickly made it clear that the feeling comes from admiration rather than resentment. While some artists chase instant success, Niall said he’s intentionally focused on building a career that lasts.
“My solo career has been a nice slow build, which is the idea because the aim is to have a bit of longevity,” he told The Sunday Times. “My favourite artists have had 50-year careers.”
That mindset appears to be guiding his next chapter. Niall is preparing to release his fourth studio album, Dinner Party, on June 5, following the success of his 2023 record The Show.
Although he’s happy spending time away from the spotlight, music remains the priority. “I love walking the dog around the place, but this is what I was born to do,” he said.
Naturally, the conversation eventually turned to the question One Direction fans never stop asking: will there ever be a reunion? “God knows,” Niall admitted. “Look at Harry there, look at Louis, the boys are flying.”
The comments arrive nearly a decade after the group’s hiatus and less than two years after the death of Liam Payne in October 2024. Payne’s funeral brought together Niall, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik publicly for the first time in years.
Despite constant reunion speculation, Niall has consistently shown support for his former bandmates. Earlier this year, he praised Harry’s music during a radio interview, calling one of his latest releases “a banger.”
Originally reported by Vanshika Vasundhare Singh for Mandatory
