Niall Horan is opening up about the complicated emotions that come with watching former bandmates dominate the music world years after One Direction’s split. 

While the singer insists he is proud of Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, he admitted there is also “nearly a jealousy” when he sees them releasing music and touring stadiums. 

Still, the feeling is not rooted in bitterness. Instead, Horan says it pushes him to keep creating and continue building a solo career designed for longevity.

Niall Horan Says Harry Styles’ Success Fuels His Own Ambition

Niall Horan reflected on his solo journey while discussing the massive achievements of Styles and Tomlinson. 

Speaking to The Sunday Times, the Irish singer admitted that watching his former One Direction bandmates thrive has become a source of creative motivation for him.

“Watching mates release stuff is fuel to the fire, there’s nearly a jealousy to it,” Niall explained. Rather than framing the feeling negatively, he described it as inspiration that keeps him focused on improving his own music career.

The 32-year-old also made it clear that his path has been intentionally slower than some of his bandmates’ explosive success stories. 

“My solo career has been a nice slow build, which is the idea because the aim is to have a bit of longevity – my favourite artists have had 50-year careers,” he said.

Horan added that while he enjoys quieter moments away from the spotlight, music remains central to who he is. “I love walking the dog around the place but this is what I was born to do,” he stated.

Horan Addresses Possibility Of One Direction Reunion

As expected, Niall Horan was also asked whether a One Direction reunion could ever happen. 

The group, which shot to global fame after appearing on “The X Factor” in 2010, announced an indefinite hiatus in January 2016, after which each member pursued solo projects.

Although fans continue to speculate about a comeback, Horan admitted there are no clear answers. “God knows, I mean look at Harry there, look at Louis, the boys are flying, so God knows but everyone still asks about it, it’s exciting,” he said.

Questions about the group’s future have intensified in recent years, following the tragic death of Liam Payne in October 2024. Payne died at age 31 after reportedly falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

The singer’s funeral later became the first time all surviving One Direction members had publicly reunited since the band split. Horan, Styles, Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik all attended the emotional service together.

Zayn had originally exited the group in 2015, months before the remaining members announced their hiatus.

Although reunion rumors continue to circulate, sources have previously revealed that tensions still exist between Styles and several of his former bandmates.

Niall Horan Praised Styles Despite Rumored Tensions

Despite ongoing speculation about strained relationships inside the former group, Horan has publicly supported Harry Styles’ music career.

Horan previously praised Styles’ comeback single “Aperture” during an appearance on Hits Radio. When asked about the track, the “Kiss You” singer revealed, “I’m delighted for him.”

Horan added that it represented “a completely” different sound from what fans might have expected. 

He also called the track “a banger,” while praising Styles for taking a creative risk with the new direction. 

Social media clips from the interview circulated widely, with fans praising the friendly exchange and calling it another example of the former bandmates cheering each other on. 

Horan Prepares New Music Amid Styles’ Success

Harry Styles has become the breakout solo superstar from One Direction following the release of albums including “Harry Styles,” “Fine Line,” “Harry’s House,” and most recently “Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally.”

Over the years, the singer has collected three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Performance for “Watermelon Sugar.”

Styles is also currently in the middle of his massive global “Together Together” stadium tour. The tour includes a historic 12-night residency at Wembley Stadium this summer.

While Styles dominates stadiums worldwide, Niall Horan is preparing for his own major release. 

The singer is set to drop his fourth studio album, “Dinner Party,” on June 5, following the success of his 2023 album “The Show.”

Niall Horan Jokes About Skipping Harry Styles’ Wedding

Horan recently fueled more discussion about his friendship with Harry Styles after joking that he would not be attending the star’s reported wedding to actress Zoë Kravitz. 

Styles is believed to have become engaged to Kravitz following a whirlwind eight-month romance, with the actress recently photographed wearing a large diamond ring.

During an appearance on “The Edge Breakfast” radio show in New Zealand, Horan was asked whether he had any “big events,” like weddings, coming up. 

As The Blast reported, he initially answered casually, saying, “A couple of mates of mine are getting married, so that’s going to be very fun.”

However, when the hosts hinted they were referring to Styles, Horan quickly caught on. “All right, no, no, no. I get it now. No, just mates of mine … I am not going, if that’s what you’re asking,” he replied. After the hosts expressed disappointment, Horan joked, “I’m a busy man.”