For those who weren’t diehard fans of the global sensation boy band One Direction, or closely following the pop album releases of 2017, the seemingly overnight success of Harry Styles might be a bit confusing. Even if you caught a hint of Harry’s big first single, “Sign Of The Times,” hovering around the airwaves when it dropped, the fervor around his most recent pair of singles and subsequent SNL performance might still feel unexpected. But, truthfully, in just a few years time, Harry has gone from one of five beloved members of a whole crew, to bona fide solo pop star.
Harry is arguably the most beloved male pop star in the world right now — I said arguably but I don’t want to argue, Puth, Bieber, and Mendes heads — and certainly become the most interesting breakout from the former fab five. Musical groups have historically given away to solo stars, and oftentimes, the solo act becomes more popular than the group itself, no matter how beloved. But if the trajectory of Harry’s sudden rise is still unclear in your mind, then this primer on him and timeline of his rise is for you.
March 2015: Zayn announces his solo career
Zayn Malik announced he’d be leaving One Direction “to be a normal 22-year-old,” and, more truthfully, to work on his own solo career in March of 2015. This came as a bit of a shock to the fanbase, not just because they were stunned and disappointed at the potential band break up, but because Harry had been tipped as the frontrunner for a solo career. Still, Zayn cracking under the pressure and leaving first meant that Harry’s own subsequent solo move wouldn’t be tinged with the guilt of “breaking up the band.”
2015: Made In The A.M. and “indefinite hiatus” announcement
Along with the three remaining members, Harry continued on with the band for another year, promoting their new album and sticking close to his bandmates until they finally went on their announced “indefinite hiatus” in 2016.
June 2016: Harry starts his own label and signs with Columbia Records
After the hiatus, Harry founded his own label, Erskine Records, and signed with Columbia Records as a solo artist in June of 2016. Since Columbia had already been releasing One Direction’s music, this was a no-brainer decision, but in a more of a shake-up, Harry also signed with new management during this time.
Summer/Fall 2016: Writing and recording Harry Styles
Splitting his time in Los Angeles, London, and Jamaica (!?) Harry reportedly took two months in 2016 on a retreat writing his album in earnest, and spent the rest of the year recording it.
March 2017: “Sign Of The Times” is announced as Harry Styles’ first solo single
In March of 2017, Harry shook up expectations with a slow, glam-rock ballad that barely broke a sweat, pivoting hard from One Direction’s synthy, hooky, gleaming pop melodies and proving he had his own sound and his own agenda. While some fans found the single to be a bit disappointing because of its slow tempo, plenty of others fell in love with the Bowie-esque feel of the track, seeing it as an homage to the recently fallen British star. Certainly, it established the bar Harry was aiming for, even if he didn’t quite clear it on first try.
May 2017: Harry Styles is released
Though it was a No. 1 album not just in America but in the UK as well, Harry’s self-titled album didn’t have the impact of a One Direction album. Like the initial single suggested, it was more slow, psych-influenced balladry with a lot of coy, oblique songwriting and very little straightforward pop hooks. Generally considered a success by critics, and faring well commercially, the album was welcomed by fans, even if it didn’t turn Harry into a star on the spot.
July 2017: Harry’s first movie role
That’s right, Harry Styles, pop star transformed into Harry Styles, movie star, for the Christopher Nolan WWII film Dunkirk. According to Nolan, he didn’t realize who Harry was when he was cast, indicating he might be more talented as an actor than of us thought.
September 2017—July 2018: The tour that began a movement
As is often the case in the streaming era, it’s the tour behind an album that defines its narrative arc more than anything recorded. Harry Styles was popular when it came out, but not as accessible as many pop albums, and an unexpected left turn for Styles, in particular. But his fans, bereft at the thought of not seeing One Direction tour for many years — if ever again — channeled their grief into something productive and turned out in droves for his first tour. Some of them even immortalized the magical experience in writing. Harry infamously brought out Kacey Musgraves on this tour, as well as covering Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” on several occasions, and threw in One Direction fan favorites from time to time, too. After the tour, Harry declared he was taking a break from music, but stayed in the public eye.
June 2018: Harry Styles, Gucci model
In what would turn out to be the first of many collaborations, Harry began his career as a go-to model for the Italian fashion house, a role that culminated in a farm animal-heavy campaign shot by Harmony Korine.
December 2018: Harry Styles and James Corden give the world good TV
Once again, Harry proved his versatility and all-around agreeable nature by hosting a week of Late Night With James Corden. It was pure fan fodder, and sparked a lot of funny, sweet moments, further proving Harry was a lot more than just a musician.
May 2019: Co-hosting the Met Gala
While he may have technically been on a hiatus from music since the summer of 2018, Harry doubled down on his cultural icon status by co-hosting the Met Gala with Lady Gaga, and even rocking a sheer, black ruffled ensemble that everyone quickly agreed fit the theme of “camp” to a T.
October 2019: “Lights Up”
Slyly, confidently sliding in at the end of the year, Harry returned just a few weeks ago with his first new music in two years. His first new single “Lights Up,” reckons with self-discovery and owning who you are, while staying in the initial, melancholy vibe that’s marked much of Harry’s output since he split with his former boy band.
November 2019: Fine Line
Harry officially announces a new album, Fine Line, will be out on December 13, squeaking in before the end of the year. One day later, he announced a one-night-only live performance of the album at Los Angeles’ historic venue, The Forum. Don’t worry though, a whole slew of dates for a world tour followed that announcement rather quickly, too.
November 2019: “Watermelon Sugar” and SNL
Ending this timeline with the most recent Harry moment is bittersweet, because it will likely be topped in a matter of weeks. Still, there is something special about both his appearance on SNL — one of the most coveted late-night platforms — and the release of his second new single, “Watermelon Sugar.” Finally departing from the melancholy, slow-rock status of “Sign Of The Times,” and the rest of Harry Styles, “Watermelon Sugar” is pop enough to finally win my heart, and proves that Harry is a man of many moods. Here’s hoping his glam-rock phase has faded for now, and we’re getting an honest-to-god pop album out of his as a Christmas present.
Meanwhile, his comedy performances on SNL were enough to have fans and newcomers alike clamoring for his return. His appearance last weekend was a shift in cultural consciousness for him, as everyone — not just pop fans or 1D fans — was talking about, and praising, the work of Harry Styles. After his next album and tour, it might be time to break Harry Styles, movie star, back out. No matter what medium he’s occupying, Harry is only going to get bigger. Now, when he gets there, you’ll know a little bit of the story behind how he did it.
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FAQs
How did Harry Styles become famous? ›
In 2010, Styles auditioned as a solo artist for the British television series The X Factor. After being eliminated as a solo performer, Styles was brought back into the competition, along with four other contestants, to form the group that would later become known as One Direction.
Is Harry Styles a daddy? › Who did Harry Styles have a child with? ›For years, people on the internet have claimed that the 28-year-old has a daughter whose name is Darcy Anne Styles. However, this is not true. The singer does not have any children and it's all fake news.
What is Harry Styles real name? ›Harry Edward Styles (born 1 February 1994) is an English singer, songwriter and actor. His musical career began in 2010 as a solo contestant on the British music competition series The X Factor.
Is Harry Styles the biggest pop star in the world? ›Harry Styles is without question the biggest pop star on the planet right now, as Harry's House smashes records — some questionable. The British pop star completes the chart double in at least 16 countries, as Harry's House and its lead track “As It Was” simultaneously lead the albums and singles charts.
Why is Harry Styles more famous than others? ›He is considered "more famous" because it was meant to be that way. Starting from the X Factor, Harry and Liam were the main singers in the band. As they progressed through the competition, it became clear that Harry was the one that appealed to more fans.
Who is Harry Styles god son? ›Harry Styles reveals it's his goddaughter at the beginning of 'As It Was' / Twitter. A clip of a voicemail from Ruby Winston, Styles' godchild and daughter of producer Ben Winston, can be heard at the start of his new single.
Who is Harry Styles daughter? ›Harry Styles's 5-Year-Old Goddaughter, Ruby Winston, Is Featured On "As It Was" It's here! Harry Styles just dropped the first single off his upcoming album, "Harry's House," and boy, is it a trip.
Who is Harry Styles first love? ›Abigail Crawshaw. One Direction fans uncovered the name of Harry's first girlfriend. He and Abigail appeared to date in 2007. Years later, they reunited at a 1D concert in 2015.
Who falls in love with Harry? ›She has sworn to remain at his side during his final quest to rid the world of Voldemort. She even attempted to explain the mysterious ways of girls to him when he was fifteen. Yet at sixteen, Harry picked Ginny Weasley to be his romantic partner.
Who is the best friend of Harry Styles? ›
Niall Horan and Harry Styles are always the supportive besties every bandmate needs. Niall Horan and Harry Styles, like the rest of the four One Direction lads, have remained close friends since their international boyband days.
Is Harry Styles adopted? ›In a 2019 interview with Rolling Stone, Nicks said, "He's Mick [Fleetwood]'s and my love child. When Harry came into our lives I said, 'Oh my God, this is the son I never had. ' So I adopted him."
What are Harry Styles fans called? ›Harry Styles' fandom are called 'Stylers'
What is Harry short for? ›Harry is a male given name, the Middle English form of Henry. It is also a diminutive form of Harold, Harrison or Harvey. Harry.
What is Harry Styles favorite color? ›Harry has two favourite colours – orange and blue.
Who is bigger BTS or 1D? ›So who exactly has more cumulative social media followers? In doing the math, One Direction has a collective total of 52.4 million followers which is just enough to help the band best BTS's following of 51 million followers!
Who is Harry's biggest fan? ›I'm so grateful; I'm so happy." However, the "Watermelon Sugar" hitmaker's biggest fan is still his mother. Reflecting on her son's biggest two shows of his entire career, Anne Twist wrote on her Instagram page, "When I thought you couldn't get better .. and I couldn't be prouder .. you blew me away tonight."
Who is 1D biggest fan? ›Niall Horan is the Biggest One Direction Fan. 2. What is One Direction? One Direction is prominently known as 1D, the notable Irish Boy Band of Four distinctive singers.
Who is successful Zayn or Harry? ›Just imagine if zayn will start promoting his song's & doing concerts how big he will become Harry will not be even close. Harry only has 1D fans may be some new but zayn got lots of new fans even in his solo Carrier. Definitely zayn is not bit but way more popular than harry.
Who is more successful Justin Bieber or Harry Styles? ›Personal Wealth. Despite an estimated net worth of US $23 million, Harry Styles is way behind Justin Bieber who recently topped the Forbes' list of the Highest-Earning Celebrities Under 30. The Boyfriend singer has an estimated net worth of US $200 million.
Who is the most famous 1 direction? ›
1. Harry Styles. I mean, it was in the bag for our Haz, wasn't it? 14-year-old me would be made up that I'm still getting him ranked as my top out of the One Direction members, but there's absolutely no question that he deserves it.
Is Lux Harry Styles God daughter? ›Lux is Harry's godchild and Brooklyn is Zayn's godchild.
Is Harry a God father? ›This covered a difficult time in their lives, as the late Princess Diana tragically died in 1999. Pettifer has remained close with Harry over the years, and was seen at his 2018 wedding with Meghan. Prince Harry and Prince William are also godfathers to her sons, Fred and Tom, per the Times.
Who is older Harry Styles or Louis Tomlinson? ›Louis Tomlinson is the oldest member - born 24 December 1991, while the youngest is Harry Styles who was born February 1st 1994. Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan were all born in 1993.
How can I meet Harry Styles? ›Going to Concerts and Events
Purchase a ticket to attend a VIP meet and greet. Like many artists, Harry Styles often hosts a meet and greet before or after his concerts. These events give you a chance to chat with Harry, get a hug, and ask for an autograph.
Harry Styles' goddaughter makes an adorable surprise cameo on his new single 'As It Was' "Come on, Harry, we want to say goodnight to you!" Harry Styles released long-awaited new music on Thursday — and his goddaughter makes a special appearance on his first single from the upcoming album Harry's House.
Why does Harry Styles have so many tattoos? ›While the former One Directioner's style has evolved over the years, the star has also added tons of tattoos to his body, including more than 50 designs dedicated to everything from sports (his favorite team is the Green Bay Packers, and he has the ink to prove it) to family, travel and his beginnings on “X Factor.”
How long did Harry Styles date Kendall Jenner? ›Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner were romantically linked from 2013 to 2019. Keeping Up with the Kardashians star Kendall Jenner and Harry Styles were romantically linked multiple times from 2013 to 2019.
How old was Harry Styles when he had his first gf? ›I was 15. “ According to Styles, his first girlfriend lived a one-and-a-half-hour train ride away and he'd only get to see her on the weekends. “I'd finish on Saturdays at 4:30 and it was a 4:42 train, and if I missed it there wasn't one for another hour or two,” Styles tells Rolling Stone.
Who kissed Harry first? ›In "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the latest in the megahit series based on J.K. Rowling's books, Harry comes of age and has his first on-screen kiss with longtime crush Cho Chang, played by Katie Leung.
Who is Harry's closest friend? ›
Throughout his many years at Hogwarts, Harry faces numerous obstacles and perilous adventures besides his two best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
Who does Harry kiss in the books? ›Cho Chang was the object of Harry's fantasies for two years before they finally shared a kiss. The book's kissing scene (before and after) is much more telling of Cho's personality.
Is Harry Styles better than Zayn? ›In terms of their music, Styles and Malik couldn't be farther apart. In terms of success, they're comparable. However, only one of the two singers can be more successful than the other.
Who was closest in One Direction? ›- Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson are the closest 1D members. Picture: Getty.
- Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson are especially close out of the 1D boys. Picture: Getty.
- Liam Payne joined Louis Tomlinson at judges' houses. Picture: PA.
He said: "When the body develops, sometimes nipple forming cells accidentally migrate down the chest below the normal nipple. "Supernumerary nipples can develop anywhere on the chest, armpit, even belly or into the groin, along a vertical line below the nipple, known as the 'embryonic milk line."
What are Zayn's fans called? ›Zquad! Zquad? So Zayn's fans are just "squad" with a Z in front of it. Some fans are so here for the name.
Why is Harry called Harry? ›And interestingly, there's a bit of royal precedent for Prince Harry going by Harry instead of Henry. Turns out Harry is the diminutive form of Henry, and was popular in medieval England. According to Metro, monarchs named Henry (including the infamous Henry VIII) were typically called Harry by friends.
What are the top 10 names? ›| Rank | Male name | Female name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liam | Olivia |
| 2 | Noah | Emma |
| 3 | Oliver | Charlotte |
| 4 | Elijah | Amelia |
Traditionally used as a nickname for "Archibald," Archie has become a popular full name in and of itself, especially since Harry and Meghan used it for their first son.
Why do Harry Styles eyes look blue? ›In some scenes, Styles' eyes are altered to appear blue.
This could serve to underscore the "Matrix" reference and this woman's power over Styles — as in, he's still taking the blue pill. Drugs are known to affect the appearance of one's eyes, from redness to pupil dilation.
Is Harry Styles vegan or vegetarian? ›
1 Harry Styles
The pop artist and Don't Worry Darling star has been meat-free since 2020, but according to his interview with Vogue that year, he's pescatarian.
In 2010, when he was 16 years old, Harry competed in the seventh season of the television show The X Factor, singing Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" as his audition song and Oasis' "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" in a later round.
How is Harry Styles so rich? ›Harry's net worth now sits at a whopping $80 million (£60 million). He's raked in a huge amount of money over the years through album and tour sales as well as work on his upcoming movies, My Policeman and Don't Worry, Darling - which we're sure is set to make his net worth soar even more!
How did Harry Styles start pleasing? ›Styles said in a statement, “I wanted to find a way to explore more ideas and have more opportunities to collaborate with people who were inspiring me; that's how Pleasing was born. Starting the brand with beauty felt exciting because creating great products is a unique way to make people feel good.”
How did Harry Styles make his money? ›According to Celebrity Net Worth, Harry Styles has a net worth of $90 million. He has earned these millions through his great success with the band One Direction, his solo music career, and now his film roles.
How old was Harry Styles when Taylor Swift dated? ›12/20 Harry Styles Was Only 18 Years Old When They Dated
While Taylor was in her 20s during her time with Harry, it may shock some fans to know that Harry was only 18 years old! However, the couple allegedly met for the first time after Harry's birthday, so he technically never knew the singer while he was underage.
Harry Styles is the richest of the members of One Direction, with his $90 million net worth. This is followed by Zayn Malik, who has a reported net worth of around $75 million.
Who is Harry closest to in One Direction? ›Niall Horan and Harry Styles are always the supportive besties every bandmate needs. Niall Horan and Harry Styles, like the rest of the four One Direction lads, have remained close friends since their international boyband days.
Who is richest singer in the world? ›Herb Alpert is an American jazz musician, who became famous as the group notoriously known as Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. They're also often referred to as Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass or TJB. Alpert has racked up an impressive net worth of $850 million, making him the richest singer in the world.
What is Harry Styles most famous quote? ›- “ Be a lover. ...
- “ I don't think you can really define love.” – ...
- “ Don't choose the one who is beautiful to the world. ...
- “ A real girl isn't perfect and a perfect girl isn't real.” – ...
- “ I don't think I've found anything that feels as good as performing. ...
- “ ...
- “ ...
- “
What is Harry Styles famous for saying? ›
4. “I find ambition really attractive too—if someone's good at something they love doing. I want someone who is driven.”
What did Harry Styles say about Billie Eilish? ›Because Eilish, 20, is eight years younger than Styles, 28, her rise to fame helped him let go of the pressure to be shiny and new, which Styles described as "unbelievably liberating." "She totally broke the spell for me, in a way that I'm very grateful for," he told Lowe.
Who is the most successful One Direction member? ›For a little while, Zayn was the most successful member of One Direction, when looking at their solo careers, but now that honor goes to Harry Styles. After the boy band split, Styles tried something a little risky and began creating art that blends pop sensibilities with throwback sounds.
Who is the richest One Direction member? ›Harry Styles' net worth is $80 million as of 2022, Wealthy Gorilla estimated. With that whopping amount, it is safe to say that he remains the richest One Direction member as of press time. Following him on the list is their estranged member, Zayn Malik, who has around $75 million net worth.
Is Harry Styles a billionaire? ›Amid the drama, Styles is continuing to build his empire and now has a net worth of $90 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.