Niall James Horan 

(/ˈnaɪəl ˈhɒrən/;[1] born 13 September 1993) is an Irish singer and songwriter. He rose

to prominence as a member of the English-Irish boy band One Direction, formed in 2010 on the British
singing competition The X Factor. The group released five albums and went on to become one of
the best-selling boy bands of all time. Following the band's hiatus in 2016, Horan signed a recording deal
as a solo artist with Capitol Records.

Horan's debut solo album, Flicker (2017), debuted at number one in Ireland and the US, and reached the
top three in Australia and the UK. The album's first two singles, "This Town" and "Slow Hands", reached
the top twenty in several countries. Horan's second studio album, Heartbreak Weather, was released in
March 2020 and debuted at number one in the UK, Ireland and Mexico, and at number four in the US.[2]

Contents

 1Early life

 2Career

o 2.12010: The X Factor

o 2.22011–2015: One Direction

o 2.32016–2018: Flicker and Modest Golf Management

o 2.42019–present: Heartbreak Weather

 3Artistry

 4Personal life

 5Philanthropy

 6Filmography

 7Discography

 8Awards and nominations

 9Tours

 10See also

 11References

 12External links

Early life[edit]
Horan was born on 13 September 1993 in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland.[3] He has an older
brother, Greg.[4] His parents, Bobby Horan and Maura Gallagher, divorced when he was five years old, so
he and his brother lived with their mother for a year. After spending a year apart from their father, they
later decided to move in with him.[5] He had asthma as a child.[6] He attended St. Kenny's National School,
a primary school, and Mary's College (Irish: Coláiste Mhuire), a Catholic boys school, which are both
located in his hometown of Mullingar.

Horan tried to play the guitar that his brother bought for his marriage, but was not able to play it. Horan,
then aged 11, taught himself how to play the guitar by following YouTube tutorials. His aunt discovered
his abilities one day when she was in the car with Horan as he started singing, and she had initially
thought that the radio was on. As a teenager, he performed at the Mullingar Arts Centre during a fund-
raiser for the local football team, the Shamrocks. He was also bagging a support slot with former X
Factor contestant Lloyd Daniels at the Academy club in Dublin.[7]

Career[edit]

2010: The X Factor[edit]

In 2010, at sixteen years old, Horan auditioned for the seventh series of The X Factor in Dublin.[8] He sang
"So Sick" and received mixed comments from the judges. Louis Walsh was in his favour, but Cheryl
Cole and guest judge Katy Perry felt that he needed some time to grow. Simon Cowell voted to let him
through, Cole said no, Walsh said yes, and Perry decided to vote yes. Horan was then put through to
bootcamp.

Horan with One Direction on The X Factor Live Tour in 2011

At bootcamp, he sang "Champagne Supernova", but failed to qualify for the category. After a suggestion
from guest judge Nicole Scherzinger, Horan was put in a group with four boys who also failed to move
on in the competition, and since they were too good to let go, the judges decided to agree with
Scherzinger. Horan along with Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik formed One
Direction. Styles came up with the band name, which he thought would sound good when
announcer Peter Dickson read their name out on the live shows.

The group got together for two weeks to get to know each other and to practice. For their qualifying
song at the "judges' houses" and their first song as a group, One Direction sang an acoustic version of
"Torn". Simon Cowell later commented that the performance convinced him that the group "were
confident, fun, like a gang of friends, and kind of fearless as well." Within the first four weeks of the live
shows, they were Cowell's last act in the competition. During the competition, the band performed
different songs such as Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You" and Bonnie Tyler's "Total
Eclipse of the Heart", quickly gaining popularity in the Silver Islands. They finished in 3rd place, behind
runner-up Rebecca Ferguson and winner Matt Cardle.

2011–2015: One Direction[edit]

Following The X Factor, One Direction was signed by Cowell to a reported £2 million Syco record

contract. They began recording their debut album in Los Angeles in January 2011. That February, a book
licensed by One Direction, One Direction: Forever Young (Our Official X Factor Story), was released and
topped The Sunday Times' Best Seller list. That same month, the band and other contestants from the
series participated in The X Factor Live Tour. During the tour, the group performed for 500,000 people
throughout the UK. After the tour concluded in April, the group continued working on their debut
album. Recording took place in Stockholm, London, and Los Angeles, as One Direction worked with
producers such as Carl Falk, Savan Kotecha, Steve Mac, and Rami Yacoub.

One Direction's debut single, "What Makes You Beautiful", was released in September 2011. A global
and commercial success, the song reached number one in several countries.[9][10][11][12] Subsequent
singles, "Gotta Be You", "One Thing", and "More than This", had also received success,[13][14][15] with the
first two becoming top ten hits in the UK. In November of that year, the group's debut album "Up All
Night" was released in Ireland and the UK, reaching number one and number two on the charts,
respectively. The album was released internationally in March 2012, and One Direction became the
first UK group to have their debut album reach number one in the United States.[16] To promote the
album, they embarked on their first headlining concert tour, the Up All Night Tour. Originally intended
with shows taking place only in Europe, additional dates in North America and Australia were added due
to extreme demand. The tour was a commercial success; tickets sold out in minutes, and the tour was
met with positive reviews from critics who applauded their singing abilities and stage presence.[17] In
May 2012, the band released the tour's DVD, Up All Night: The Live Tour.[18][19] That same month, One
Direction's first book to be licensed in America, Dare to Dream: Life as One Direction, was published and
topped The New York Times Best Seller list.[20] In September 2012, the group released "Live While We're
Young", the lead single from their upcoming second album. The album's second single, "Little Things,"
spawned the band's second number one single in the UK.[21] In November 2012, Take Me Home, One
Direction's second album, was released. It reached number one in over 35 countries,[22][23][24][25] and, after
reaching number one on the Billboard 200, the group became the first boy band in US chart history to
record two number-one albums in the same calendar year alongside becoming the first group since
2008 to record two number-one albums in the same year.[26] To support the album, they embarked on
their second headlining tour, the Take Me Home Tour, playing over 120 shows over four continents. In
August 2013, One Direction: This Is Us, a 3-D documentary concert film was released and was a box
office success, grossing over $68.5 million.[27][28][29] One Direction's third book, One Direction: Where We
Are: Our Band, Our Story: 100% Official, was released that same month.[30]
Horan during the On the Road Again Tour at Soldier Field, Chicago in 2015

The band's third studio album, Midnight Memories, was released on 25 November 2013. It was the best-
selling album worldwide in 2013 with 4 million copies sold globally.[31] "Best Song Ever", the album's lead
single, is One Direction's highest charting single in the US to date.[32] Following the album's released, the
group embarked on the Where We Are Tour. The band's first all-stadium tour, tickets sold out in
minutes,[33][34] and more shows were added due to "overwhelming demand."[35] The band averaged
49,848 fans per show.[36] The tour grossed over $290 million and was the highest-grossing tour of 2014,
the 15th highest-grossing concert tour of all time, and is still the highest-grossing tour of all time by a
vocal group.[37] In September 2014, One Direction's fourth book, One Direction: Who We Are: Our Official
Autobiography was released. The group's second concert film, One Direction: Where We Are – The
Concert Film, was released in October 2014, showing footage of the band's shows at San Siro
Stadium in Milan, Italy. In November 2014, One Direction released their fourth album, Four. The last
album to include Zayn Malik, singles "Steal My Girl" and "Night Changes" both received platinum status.
[38][39]
 The album debuted number one in 18 countries,[40] and One Direction became the only group in the
58-year history of the Billboard 200 albums chart to have their first four albums debut at number one.
[41]
 In February 2015, the band embarked on the On The Road Again Tour, playing shows in Australia,
Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Over 2.3 million tickets were sold with a gross of $208 million.
In November 2015, Made in the A.M., their fifth album, was released. Led by singles "Drag Me Down"
and "Perfect", the album reached number one in multiple countries, including the UK, while it reached
number two on the US Billboard 200. Following the release of the album the group went on an indefinite
hiatus.[42][43]

2016–2018: Flicker and Modest Golf Management[edit]

Horan during the Flicker World Tour at the SEC Armadillo, Glasgow on 18 March 2018

In February 2016, Modest Golf, a golf management company that Horan founded together with Mark
McDonnell and Ian Watts, was released. Modest Golf has since signed several golf players. In March
2019, Modest Golf earned its first European tour win when Italian golfer Guido Migliozzi, the first golfer
that the company signed back in August 2016, won the Kenyan Open.[44][45] In September 2016, it was
announced that Horan had signed a solo deal with Capitol Records.[46] On 29 September 2016, Horan
released his debut solo single "This Town".[47] Since its release, it has peaked at number 9 on the UK
Singles Chart[48] and number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[49] On 4 May 2017, Horan released his
second solo single "Slow Hands".[50] It also entered the top 10 in the UK and the top 20 in the US.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Horan stated that his upcoming album, Flicker, was inspired
by classic rock acts, including Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, "Whenever I would pick up a guitar, I
would always naturally play chords like that, and finger pick a lot and play that folky kind of style." He
also described the collection as having a "folk-with-pop feel to it."[51] Horan embarked on a worldwide
tour, Flicker Sessions 2017, which started in August to promote the album.[52] Horan announced that he
had contacted American singer Maren Morris to contribute to his song "Seeing Blind".[53] In August, he
debuted a song titled "On My Own" at Dublin's Olympia Theatre.[54] On 15 September 2017, Horan
released his third single from the album, "Too Much to Ask".[55]

Flicker was released on 20 October 2017, and debuted atop the Billboard 200.[56] It also reached number
one in Ireland and the Netherlands.[57][58] On 8 November 2017, he performed alongside Maren Morris at
the 51st Country Music Association Awards.[59] In 2018, he embarked on the Flicker World Tour to
promote the album.

2019–present: Heartbreak Weather[edit]
In September 2019, Horan stated that he had been working on his upcoming second studio album
with Greg Kurstin, who helped him with a ballad entitled "Put a Little Love on Me".[60] The album's lead
single, "Nice to Meet Ya", was released on 4 October 2019.[61] On 30 October, Horan announced that he
would be embarking on the Nice to Meet Ya Tour in 2020.[62] However, the tour was later cancelled due
to the COVID-19 pandemic.[63] "Put a Little Love on Me" was released as the album's second single on 6
December 2019.[64] On 7 February 2020, Horan released the album's third single, "No Judgement"
alongside revealing the album's title as Heartbreak Weather and announcing 13 March 2020 as the
release date.[65]

Heartbreak Weather was released to positive reviews and debuted at number four on the
US Billboard 200 and number one on the UK Albums Chart.[66] Whilst in lockdown, the singer co-wrote a
new version of Ashe's song, "Moral of the Story", which was released in June 2020.[67] On 21 May 2021,
Horan and English singer Anne-Marie released "Our Song".[68]

Artistry[edit]

Horan's music style has been categorized as soft rock,[69][70][71][72] folk,[73][74] folk-pop,[75] country,[71] pop[76]

[77]
 and indie folk.[74] His solo debut album was described as being on the "folkier side of pop",
[78]
 incorporating elements of folk music as well as pop rock, soft rock, and country music.[79][80] In an
interview with Digital Spy, Horan cited Michael Bublé as one of his biggest influences because they had
similar life histories, as he was discovered by his aunt and the same thing happened to Bublé, except he
was discovered by his father.[81] Horan has cited Taylor Swift as one of his influences, calling her one of
the greatest songwriters of her generation.[82][83]

Horan has also stated that he is a "big, big swing fan", citing his favourite artists as Frank Sinatra, Dean
Martin, and Bublé.[84] Horan has also stated that he is a "Justin Bieber fan" and has seen Bieber as a
career model.[85] Horan likes pop and rock music and is a fan of The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi, The
Script, Take That, and Westlife.[84][86][87][88][non-primary source needed]

Personal life[edit]

Horan enjoyed playing a number of sports while growing up, including golf, soccer, and Gaelic football.
[89]
 In the summer of 2010, while playing football with friends, he injured his knee and was diagnosed
with a floating kneecap.[89] The problem recurred several times over the next couple of years, including a
2013 incident where he dislocated his knee onstage during a concert in Antwerp, Belgium.[89][90] Horan
went to the United States for major reconstructive surgery in January 2014, after the tour ended.[89]
[91]
 After the surgery, he was invited to do physical therapy with Chelsea by their manager, José
Mourinho. Horan went through more than seven weeks of physical therapy with the members of the
team and their physical therapist at their training ground in Surrey.[89]

Horan founded Modest! Golf, a golf management company that also puts on a yearly tournament, in
2016.[92] Horan also helped promote the Northern Ireland Open.[93] He caddied for professional
golfer Rory McIlroy for the Par 3 contest prior to the 2015 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.[94]
In April 2018, Horan opened up on his diagnosis of mild OCD and his anxiety.[95][96] Horan started dating
American actress Hailee Steinfeld in December 2017. The two broke up in December 2018.[97][98] Horan
began dating fashion buyer Amelia Woolley in 2020, with the two making their first public appearance
together on the red carpet at the Horan & Rose Gala in September 2021.[99] He splits his time
between Los Angeles and South London.[100][101]

In June 2020, Horan expressed his support for the Black Lives Matter movement and attended
multiple London marches.[102][103] Horan has also been vocal about the 2020 United States election year
and has expressed his distaste for former United States President, Donald Trump, on multiple occasions.
[104][105]

Philanthropy[edit]

Horan during his Charity Football Challenge at King Power Stadium in May 2014

As a former member of One Direction, Horan was involved in the Action 1D campaign that "aims to end
extreme poverty, tackle inequality and slow down climate change with the help of their millions of fans".
[106]
 The band also supported Comic Relief.[107]

In May 2014, Horan hosted the Charity Football Challenge at Leicester City's King Power Stadium to raise
money for Irish Autism Action. The celebrity football match had 10,000 spectators and raised about
£300,000 for the charity.[108] In 2016, Horan continued to support Irish Autism Action by creating limited
edition T-shirts.[109]

Horan was announced to be joining the Soccer Aid 2016 star lineup fundraiser for UNICEF as an assistant
manager and player for the Rest of the World team.[110] In 2017, Horan received an Arnie Award for his
work with charities.[111] In 2019, Horan joins UNICEF's Soccer Aid World XI team, formerly called Rest of
the World, alongside retired sprinter Usain Bolt and former Chelsea FC player Didier Drogba. UNICEF's
soccer aid tournament aims to raise funds to benefit children around the world.[112]
Horan has been actively involved with the Drive, Chip, and Putt initiative that encourages and supports
the younger generation of golfers.[113][114] He has also spoken about his desire to grow female
participation in golf as well as wanting more support and promotion for women golfers, stating "golf is
seen as a rich man's sport" and "we need more teenage girls involved".[115][116]

Filmography[edit]

Year Title Role Notes

2012 iCarly Episode: "iGo One Direction"

2013 One Direction: This Is Us Documentary concert film

Himself
One Direction: Where We Are – The
2014 Concert film
Concert Film

2017 One Love Manchester Television special

Himself (musical Episode: "Scarlett Johansson"/Niall

2019 Saturday Night Live
guest) Horan

2020 Together at Home Himself Television special

Discography[edit]

Main article: Niall Horan discography

See also: One Direction discography

 Flicker (2017)

 Heartbreak Weather (2020)

Awards and nominations[edit]

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Niall Horan

See also: List of awards and nominations received by One Direction

Ref
Year Award Category Nominee/work Result
.

[117]
2016 BMI London Awards Pop Award Songs "Night Changes"
Won
[118]
2017 People's Choice Awards Favorite Breakout Artist Niall Horan
 [119]
iHeartRadio Music Awards Best Solo Breakout Nominated

[120]
Radio Disney Music Awards Best Male Artist

iHeartRadio Much Music Fan Fave International [121]

Won
Video Awards Artist or Group

[122]
Choice Song: Male Artist "Slow Hands"

Teen Choice Awards

Choice Summer Male [123]
Niall Horan Nominated
Artist

[124]
Telehit Awards Video in English "Slow Hands"

[125]
BMI London Awards Pop Award Songs "This Town" Won

[126]
American Music Awards New Artist of the Year Niall Horan

2018 Best Song "Slow Hands"

[127]
Global Awards Best Male Nominated

Best Pop

Best New Pop Artist Niall Horan Won

Best New Artist

Nominated
[128]
iHeartRadio Music Awards Best Solo Breakout

Best Lyrics "Slow Hands" Won

Best Cover Song "Issues" Nominated

"Slow Hands" Won

[129]
BMI Pop Awards Award Winning Songs
"This Town"

[130]
SOCAN Awards Pop Music Awards "Slow Hands"

[131]
Teen Choice Awards Choice Male Artist Niall Horan Nominated
 Choice Summer Male
Artist

Flicker World
Choice Summer Tour
Tour

[132]
BMI London Awards Pop Award Songs "Slow Hands" Won

Hollywood Music in Media Original Song – Animated [133]

"Finally Free"
Awards Film

"Crying in the Nominated [134]

iHeartRadio Music Awards Best Cover Song
Club"

[135]
Teen Choice Awards Choice Collaboration "What a Time"
2019
[136]
BMI London Awards Pop Award Songs "On the Loose"

"Too Much to [136]

BMI London Awards Pop Award Songs
Ask"
Won
[137]
2020 BMI London Awards Pop Award Songs "Nice to Meet Ya"

"Moral of the [138]

2021 BMI London Awards Pop Award Songs
Story"

Tours[edit]

See also: One Direction § Tours

Headlining

 Flicker World Tour (2018)

 Nice to Meet Ya Tour (2020 – cancelled due to COVID-19)

Promotional tours

 Flicker Sessions (2017)

See also