Unfortunately for the rising star, his version of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” failed to make the impact he thought it would. Thankfully though, judge and music mogul Simon Cowell sensed Harry’s star power under that lackluster audition and awkwardness.
He and fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger said “yes” to the emerging star – resulting in a deafening applause from the audience who had clearly taken an interest in the curly-haired teen! Simon later introduced him to four other young men who also didn’t succeed in the same audition category, and so One Direction was born!
Young Life
Born in the small town of Redditch, England, Harry Styles and his family soon moved to Cheshire, a city in Northern England close to Manchester. When he was seven, his mother and his father Desmond divorced, and Harry continued living with his mom and sister in Cheshire.
Harry’s older sister Gemma, is a frequent fixture in Harry’s social media posts and the two are very close (Harry even has a tattoo of her name!). Despite the divorce, Harry continues to have a close relationship with his father and an even closer relationship with his mother.
First Taste of the Music Industry
Being an internationally-known pop star can really mess with your sleep schedule, thankfully Harry Styles got his first taste of late-night music sessions when he was still a kid. As a child, his family purchased a pub that used to host musicians and bands.
While the noise of the band used to keep the young Harry up, he soon began falling asleep to the sounds of the performances. Not only did he get a new nighttime routine, but guitarists from visiting bands would teach him guitar when he was just ten years old!
An Old Soul in Young Body
There’s a reason why many fans feel that Harry Styles’ music has an ageless sound to it - he was practically raised on classic rock ‘n’ roll! Harry’s father Des was a huge fan of classic music legends like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Fleetwood Mac.
He loved classic rock so much that the first album he purchased was “Bat Out of Hell” by Meat Loaf. While this may have seemed like an odd choice for a ten-year-old, Harry had been listening to this type of music since he was in diapers!
First Band Life Experience
Before he was one-fifth of One Direction, Harry Styles was actually part of another band, White Eskimo. The band consisted of Harry as the lead singer, Nick Clough on bass, Will Sweeny on drums (pictured below) and Haydn Morris on guitar.
The boys met while attending Holmes Chapel Comprehensive in Harry’s hometown of Cheshire. The band was so good that they even won a local Battle of the Bands competition! Though Harry soon left the band to audition for “The X Factor UK” (which we all know would pay off), the band reformed and continued to produce music.
Harry the Baker
It can be hard to imagine the very fashionable Harry Styles wearing a flour-dusted baking apron, but that was actually his uniform before auditioning for “The X Factor”. At just 14 years old, Harry began working at a bakery in his hometown.
Though we’re sure he’s happy to not have to get up before sunrise to prepare the baked goods, he does apparently miss serving the local patrons and grabbing a bun before his break! Harry did get a chance to show off the bakery in the One Direction documentary film, “This Is Us.”
X Marks the Spot
With a short amount of band experience as part of White Eskimo, and with his mother’s unwavering support, young Harry Styles decided to try out on the music reality television show, “The X Factor UK.”
Accompanied by his mother who wore a shirt that read “We Think Harry Has the X Factor” the awkward teen (just 16) gave it his best in front of the judges. Once onstage, Harry performed Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” to judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, and Louis Walsh.
Another Shot at Fame
Unfortunately for the rising star, his version of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” failed to make the impact he thought it would. Thankfully though, judge and music mogul Simon Cowell sensed Harry’s star power under that lackluster audition and awkwardness.
He and fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger said “yes” to the emerging star - resulting in a deafening applause from the audience who had clearly taken an interest in the curly-haired teen! Simon later introduced him to four other young men who also didn’t succeed in the same audition category, and so One Direction was born!
Making the Band
Having each failed to progress in the male category of “The X Factor,” Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Zayn Malik were brought together by music executive Simon Cowell to become part of a new band that would compete in the competition.
The boys would soon spend weeks practicing and living together. Fans quickly fell in love with the rambunctious and charismatic teens (need proof? Just listen to the roar of the audience when they performed!). And though they placed third in the competition, viewers couldn’t get enough of the new boy band.
What’s in a Name?
The name of a band says a lot about it. From merchandise to appearing above the band when they perform, the name of a band is important. After being drafted together to form a boy band, the group decided that they needed a new name.
Liam Payne’s father apparently suggested the name “USP” an acronym for “Unique Selling Point.” Thankfully, Harry Styles had a better idea - he came up with the name One Direction. And despite the name having no special meaning, it did end up taking the band in one direction - fame!
A Thing For the Older Ladies
It's no surprise that Harry Styles seems to have a thing for older women. Having been linked to some of the most stunning, yet older, women in the entertainment industry, it’s clear that this pop star has a type.
In 2011, when he was just 17, Harry set his romantic sights on British entertainment show host Caroline Flack (already in her 30s!). The two had a much-talked-about relationship lasting around three months. Though Caroline, unfortunately, passed away in 2020, fans still remember what many consider to have been Harry’s first real relationship.
iHarry
It seems that not only are the members of One Direction talented singers, but they’re also good actors. In 2012, the stars appeared on the popular Nickelodeon sitcom, “iCarly.” In the episode, called "iGo One Direction,'' Harry played an exaggerated version of himself. In the episode, he played being sick in order to get attention from Carly.
Harry’s hilarious acting as a bed-ridden diva was just a teaser of his future acting chops that fans would see later on! It was easy to see how comfortable Harry felt in front of the camera, easily holding his own with the other actors.
A Royal Affair
Growing up in England, we can’t imagine the shock that Harry Styles must have felt when he and his bandmates were invited to not only perform in front of but actually meet the Queen of England.
In 2012, One Direction got to perform at the Royal Variety Performance held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The singer later tweeted about the experience saying, “Today, I met The Queen…Amazing Night…Can’t Believe it” We’re sure getting starstruck isn’t a common feeling for one of the most popular celebrities in the world, but fans could really sense his surprise!
New Record, New Fame
Though they were just competitors on the musical reality show, the boys of One Direction were already amassing a huge fan baseץ They were especially liked by the young female fans of “The X Factor.”
Their upbeat rendition of the classic Alphaville song “Forever Young” became a major hit, leading to the band signing a record contract with Simon Cowell’s record label, Syco Records. Harry and the rest of his bandmates also began touring the UK as part of the "X Factor Live Tour" while working on what would be their debut album.
A "Beautiful" Start
If you were a teen in 2011, then there’s a good chance that you and your friends belted out the lyrics to the upbeat anthem “ That’s What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction.
The infectiously-catchy lead single off the band’s debut album, “Up All Night,'' helped bring their popularity stateside after the boys had already conquered their native U.K. It wasn’t long before the album reached number one on the American music charts and sold more than a million copies. It was official - the boys had made it!
Harry, Sad?
Though One Direction’s music is usually described as feel-good and energetic, it seemed that the media quickly focused their attention on Harry, who they described as sad and withdrawn. When tabloid photos of One Direction emerged with all the band members smiling, except for Harry, gossip quickly spread that the 1D member wasn’t happy.
To this criticism, Harry has said “not everyone is happy all of the time” and that the paparazzi probably caught him when he was tired or missing home. Considering their grueling touring schedule, we can’t imagine always being in a good mood!
Prank Wars
Perhaps it's his doe-eyed look, but there's something about Harry Styles that seems to make him the perfect person to prank - at least according to his former One Direction bandmates.
From being pantsed onstage to getting sprayed with silly string, Harry has found himself the victim of many hilarious pranks. There’s even footage of the boys tricking Harry into thinking he would have to help a producer deliver a baby (the video is worth watching just for Harry’s reaction alone!). But, being the easy-going guy that he is, Harry just seemed to laugh them off.
Furry Fears
There are just some stories about our favorite celebrities that seem too crazy to be true, and this just might be one of them. In 2012 while touring Australia, Liam Payne and Harry Styles decided to get to know the locals better by posing with some adorable koalas.
Unfortunately, they didn’t know that those cute and cuddly marsupials were also carriers of a venereal disease, chlamydia. Thankfully, the two boy banders made it out of that encounter disease free, but we have a feeling that Harry won’t be petting or cuddling any koalas ever again!
Famous Friends
Though showbusiness can be a big and lonely place, many british celebrities find a special camaraderie with other famous Brits. The boys of One Direction met “The Late Late Show” host, and fellow Brit, James Corden when Louis Tomlinson’s late mother worked with the late night talk show host.
Corden quickly became friends with the band, particularly Harry, and became somewhat of a mentor to them. To this day Harry is a frequent guest on Corden’s show and the two even jokingly locked lips for a special 2017 episode of his show!
Tattoo Roulette
It's no secret that Harry Styles boasts an impressive amount of body ink, but many fans don't know that one of his tattoos is actually the result of a talk show prank! The inking session started when Harry and the rest of the One Direction bandmates played a game called “Tattoo Roulette'' on friend James Corden’s show “The Late Late Show.”
Unfortunately, Harry lost in the game and ended up having to get a tattoo with the words “Late Late” on his bicep! We're sure Corden was happy to be a part of this permanent art collection!
An Affair to Remember
Who could forget the photos of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles’ romantic hike through New York’s Central Park? If it felt like just yesterday that the perfectly styled couple held hands on a romantic stroll, you might be shocked to know that this magical moment was over a decade ago (yes, we feel old too!).
That year, 2012, fans pinned their romantic hopes on what they thought was the perfect couple. Though they only dated for about four months, the relationship was apparently serious enough to have (in typical Taylor Swift form) inspired her music.
Talk About a “Nasty Scar”
It seems that Harry Styles' relationship with singer Taylor Swift didn’t just (reportedly) leave each party with a broken heart, it seems that Harry’s chin also didn’t come out of the partnership unscathed.
In 2012, Harry showed off a bandaged chin - the result of a ski injury he received while on a ski vacation with then-girlfriend Taylor. Not only does the singer have numerous tabloid pictures of him with Taylor (and a potential song written about him), but he now has a permanent reminder of that ill-fated relationship!
A Lesson in Gratitude
When you’re a major pop star and actor, it can be easy to lose sight of just how lucky and privileged you are. For this reason, we’re sure Harry Styles’ trip to Accra in the African nation of Ghana was so impactful.
Harry traveled to the country with his fellow One Direction members in 2013 in order to bring attention to the poverty-stricken region and raise money with the British charity Comic Relief. Harry was said to be particularly moved by the trip saying, “Looking into a tiny baby’s eyes and seeing their pain is terrible.”
A Heart of Gold
Teen pop stars often get a bad rap for diva-like behavior and over-the-top lifestyles. Thankfully, Harry Styles proves that not all bystanders need to behave that way. He has made a name for himself as one of the kindest and most generous celebrities.
In 2013, Styles video-chatted with a fan named Kelcey Hallinan who dreamed of meeting the singer as part of her wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Kelcey, who was battling Hodgkin lymphoma for years, was too sick to physically meet the boy bander, but Harry made sure to “meet” her via video chat.
Best Man and Best Son
Fans know that Harry Styles is a mama’s boy but in the best way possible! Harry and his mother, Anne Cox, have an extremely close bond and the singer considers her to be his best friend.
In 2013, when his mom married her long-time partner Robin Twist. The former-boy bander was right by his mother’s side. Guests said the pop star “couldn’t stop smiling” and that “he hardly left his mom’s side” during the ceremony. Though his career takes him around the world, it seemed that Harry was happiest with his family in his small town.
Stealing Soap From Johnny Depp
Though we’re sure Harry Styles rubs elbows with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, even he apparently gets starstruck and overwhelmed with some of these famous acquaintances.
In 2013, Harry confessed to having stolen a bar of soap from film icon Johnny Depp’s home. The pop star had been invited to the actor’s home to meet his children and was apparently so starstruck he needed to take a souvenir to remember that moment. Though he blamed his friend’s pressure to “take something” we can understand feeling the need to take something meeting the film star!
Workouts Worthy of His Idol
It seems that comparisons between their looks and style aren't where the similarities between Mick Jagger and Harry Styles end. It turns out that Harry himself is captivated by the Rolling Stones frontman and how he can move around the stage even when pushing 80!
In 2013, Harry recruited Mick’s personal trainer who suggested that he try his hand at ballet. While we’re not sure if Harry is filling his days with pliés and leaps, he certainly moves more confidently on the stage since his One Direction days.
Harry’s Reality Show Romance
Before she was a familiar face in fashion magazines and on the runway, Kendall Jenner (of the Kardashian-Jenner reality show clan) was making enemies of One Direction fans when she was snapped with Harry Styles in late 2013.
The two were seen in and around Los Angeles and in London before calling it quits early the following year. The paparazzi caught them getting cozy while on a ski trip and packing on the PDA during an Eagles concert. Though the pair reportedly rekindled their relationship in 2015, it seems both parties have moved on.
The Skinniest of the Skinny Jeans
Harry Styles is known for his often androgynous wardrobe. Apparently, when it comes to buying skinny jeans, the usual selection in the men’s section just doesn’t quite cut it. Instead, the curly-haired singer gets his skinny jeans from the women’s section!
Shoppers spotted Harry stocking up on skinnies in luxury denim store Paige Denim - a favorite of ex-girlfriend Kendall Jenner and other Hollywood starlets. According to eagle-eyed shoppers, he wears a size 30 in women's denim and a 28 in men's jeans in case you ever need to buy him a gift!
A Match Made in Music Heaven
Most fans would agree that between Ariana Grande’s pipes and Harry Styles’ gifted songwriting abilities, the two could create some serious music magic! While visiting the studio where Ariana Grande was working on her 2014 album, “My Everything,” Styles decided to volunteer to pen a song for the diva.
The result? A song so beautiful, that it actually made Ariana cry when she heard the chorus. Fans were shocked to learn the true wordsmith behind Ariana’s song, “Just a Little Bit of Your Heart.” We wonder who inspired the lyrics.
Smile For Us Harry!
Whether it's his distinctive raspy voice or perfect tousled curly hair that fans dream of running their finger through, there are many reasons why fans have fallen for the British pop star.
But one of his most famous features has got to be his toothy and infectious smile. It's no surprise then, that Harry Styles took home the “Best Smile” award at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles. His smile is so popular in fact, that there are actual Instagram accounts and countless articles featuring pictures of his signature grin!
Magical Date Night
There are many examples of Harry Styles going above and beyond for his fans, but in 2014 he really made his fan’s dreams come true when he and former-One Direction bandmate Liam Payne took two lucky fans out on the town.
The two women had won a competition held by a British charity organization called Trekstock with the prize being a romantic dinner date in London with the pop stars. The charity, which works with young people struggling with their health, gave Harry a chance to bring happiness to some of his greatest fans.
Is Harry “Terrifying”?
With such a laid-back demeanor, we can’t imagine how working with Harry Styles could be considered “terrifying,” but a 2014 encounter with the star apparently left singer Meghan Trainor shaken.
The “All About That Bass” singer recalls that performing the song they wrote together in front of Harry was “terrifying,” but added that she was nervous as he was one of the biggest celebrities she had met at the time. Despite feeling intimidated, Meghan described Styles as “super talented at writing.”
Tranquility, Thousands of Feet in the Air
Harry Styles has often been described as exuding a maturity far beyond his years and now we have proof. Harry typically preferred to travel away from most of his rowdier bandmates when he was a part of One Direction.
The pop star didn’t see eye to eye with the other band members Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson when it came to partying, and so in 2014 pictures emerged of Harry and Niall Horan preferring to take another private jet - presumably to catch up on their sleep after a busy tour schedule.
Sister Act
Going on a first date can be nerve-wracking enough, but imagine going on a first date at a One Direction concert, and your brother (Harry Styles) stops the concert to tell thousands of fans that he’s keeping tabs on you and your date! Sounds unbelievable? This really happened!
In 2015, Harry and his bandmates let it be known that his sister was in the crowd with her (presumably embarrassed date). To make things even more uncomfortable, One Direction member, Liam Payne, told the couple “We’re all watching you!” We have a feeling there wasn’t a second date after that...
One Direction No More
With chart-topping albums and millions of adoring fans, it seemed like the members of One Direction had everything going for them. Unfortunately, one of the members of the band saw things differently and decided to branch out on their own.
In March 2015, the hearts of One Direction fans broke around the world when Zayn Malik left the group. Though the remaining band members released the band's fifth and final album “Made in the A.M.”, Zayn’s exit would set off seismic waves in the band and eventually lead to the disbandment of the group.
Harry Tears Up
Members of boy bands don’t often get enough credit for being in touch with their emotions. In 2015, however, Harry Styles showed the world he wasn't okay with his former bandmate Zayn Malik’s decision to leave One Direction.
At a concert, the young pop star seemed to be unable to hold back the tears and was seen covering his face and rubbing his eyes, even walking away from the audience in a clearly emotional state. The tearful scene was too much for some One Direction fans who instantly tweeted and shared their support.
Harry’s Built-In Bar
It’s no surprise that Harry Styles attracts the attention of the paparazzi every time he wants a night out on the town. So what do you do when you love to party but also love your privacy?
You build your own swanky bar right beneath your home! Inspired by the pop star’s favorite London bars like Soho House and Groucho Club, Harry built the bar in the basement of his North London home in 2015. Given his wild social life, we have a feeling that this bar is the hottest spot in town!
Secret Song Writer
Fans of Harry Styles know that he is not only a talented singer, but he also has a way with words. It turns out that our favorite singer has been sharing his musical gifts with other major recording artists - he’s been writing songs for various artists under the pseudonym Mick Greenberg.
Styles or Greenberg has penned songs for the group Alex & Sierra, the song “Someday” with the help of Meghan Trainor which would be featured on Michael Bublé's 2016 album "Nobody But Me," and even hits for singer Gavin Degraw.
The Haircut Seen Around the World
In 2016, the world took a collective gasp when it emerged that Harry Styles had cut his trademark curly hair. Uploading a picture of just a knotted ponytail being held up with his hand against a stormy sky, the internet seemed to have a meltdown upon hearing the news.
While many mourned the era of Harry’s long hair, others were happy to hear that the cut locks would be going to a special British charity called "Little Princess Trusts." The charity constructs wigs and hair pieces for children who have lost their hair due to receiving treatment for cancer.
A Fresh Start
It turns out that it's not only women who typically get a bit scissor-happy when it comes to starting over - Harry Styles admitted that he cut his hair when his debut album “Harry Styles,” was released to mark the passage from boy-bander to serious solo artist.
After being known as “the one with the long hair” for so long, the pop star said that cutting his famous long curly locks “felt very much like starting afresh.” We agree! We’re sure fans think it's great to see him moving on musically and developing as an artist.
Harry’s Cryptic Lyrics
Though many fans of Harry Styles speculate that Taylor Swift’s hit single, “Style” was about her doomed relationship with the British pop star, it turns out that Taylor wasn’t the only one discussing their breakup through music.
In 2017, Harry released a song called “Two Ghosts” which many believe was written about his “Haylor” days with the pop star. With lyrics like “Same lips red, same eyes blue/ Same white shirt, couple more tattoos,” many believed the lyrics referenced Taylor’s signature lip color around the time they dated. Hmmm? We’ll let you decide!
A Fiery Encounter
Fans of Harry Styles already know he’s one of the hottest figures in the music industry, but apparently, his carelessness almost caused the set of “Saturday Night Live” to catch on fire!
In 2017, when Harry was hosting the popular sketch comedy show, he accidentally discarded his t-shirt near a lit candle. The shirt's sleeve caught fire and thanks to his manager’s acute sense of smell, they were able to stamp out the fire before it ripped through NBC’s famous studios at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City! Yikes!
Jammin’ in Jamaica
While we know that recording a full-length studio album probably wasn’t all fun and games, we’re sure it helped that Harry Styles worked on the album in a tropical paradise.
For his 2017 debut solo album, "Harry Styles", the singer and his writing crew took up residence in the Gee Jam Studios luxury houses in Portland, Jamaica. And while Harry apparently chose the well-known tropical recording studio because he didn’t want to “get distracted,” we can’t imagine staying inside a studio all day while being surrounded by the beautiful Caribbean sea!
Harry Styles, Action Star
In 2017 Harry Styles redefined what it means to be a pop star. It seems that for Harry, it's not enough to be at the top of the music charts. He set his sights on the film world when he was cast in Christopher Nolan’s war epic "Dunkirk."
Not only was the director impressed by Harry’s audition tape, he felt that the pop star had an “old-fashioned face” and would be believable in the role. The role required Harry to spend hours in freezing cold water and of course, cover his dozens of unique tattoos!
When Harry Met Harry
Though Harry Styles may be considered royalty in the pop world, there’s nothing like meeting an actual member of the Royal Family. At the 2017 world premiere of the historical war drama, “Dunkirk,” Harry got to meet Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
Prince Harry arrived at the premiere with veterans from various wars including Dunkirk, Kosovo, and Afghanistan as a way of honoring military heroes and raising awareness for veteran’s issues. We don’t know how the red carpet was able to hold two of the world's most famous Harrys!
A Run By Fruiting
One of the funniest scenes in the film “Mrs.Doubtfire” is when Robin Williams’ character throws a fruit, calling it a “run by fruiting.” Something similar happened to Harry Styles in 2017 when he slipped on some fruit that had been thrown on stage.
During the performance of his (aptly titled) song “Kiwi,” a fan threw an actual kiwi fruit onstage causing Harry to slip during a London concert. In typical Harry form, he didn't get upset at the fan and seemed to laugh off slipping on “some green seedy mush.”
Darling of the Fashion World
In addition to creating critically-acclaimed music, Harry Styles is quickly becoming a favorite of many designers for his unique and unapologetic sense of style. From '70s-inspired boho clothing to his unforgettable dresses, Harry approaches fashion with the same creativity he does when it comes to making music, and designers have caught on.
In 2018, Harry was picked to star in a Gucci campaign where the star was photographed wearing the Italian designer’s latest collection while snuggling up to some very cute animals. Not bad for the 24 (at the time) year-old star!
Sitcom Star
2018's “Happy Together,” was a television series loosely based on Harry Styles’ life. The show, starring Damon Wayans Jr. and Amber Stevens West was based on the 20 months Harry spent living in producer Ben Winston’s attic and all of the chaos that came with housing an international pop star.
Unfortunately, the show was met with lukewarm reviews and wasn’t renewed for a second season. But in the short amount of time that the show was on the air, we could just imagine how many funny and awkward events his unplanned overstay must have been!
Fan Fic Turned Film Franchise
There’s no doubt that the members of One Direction, particularly Harry Styles, have left a lasting impression on their fans. One fan, Anna Todd, took her fascination with the pop star to the next level and wrote a story based on a Harry-esque character named “Hardin Scott.”
Though similar initials are where the similarities end, the ebook received millions of views and has inspired a franchise of films beginning with the 2019 film, “After.” What’s even more impressive is that this is just one example of Harry Styles-inspired fictional stories on the internet!
Harry’s SNL Shade
In 2019, Harry Styles hosted “Saturday Night Live.” In the show’s opening monologue, the singer took a dig at his former bandmate, Zayn Malik. Talking about One Direction, he said "I love those guys, they're my brothers. Niall, Liam, Louis... Uh... Ringo! Yeah, that's it.”
The reference of course is to Ringo Starr’s famous exit from the Beatles in 1968 at the height of the band’s popularity. Though (unlike Ringo) Zayn never rejoined the band. His monologue also poked fun at the band’s creator Simon Cowell, joking that Cowell grew the band out of a “test tube!”
Inspired by Joni Mitchell
Harry Styles has never hidden the fact that he is strongly influenced by other classic artists, especially folk-jazz-inspired singer Joni Mitchell.
When recording his 2019 album “Fine Line,” Harry wanted to emulate the distinct sound of Joni’s dulcimer, a stringed musical instrument. In order to capture that unique sound, Harry painstakingly looked up the woman who made the instruments for Joni Mitchell in the ‘60s and asked her to make one. Thankfully she obliged and Harry ended up playing the instrument on his single “Canyon Moon.”
His Favorite Memory of Being in One Direction
While we’re sure he’s experienced many memorable moments as a member of One Direction, in late 2019, Harry Styles revealed his favorite memory, and it’s really sweet.
The former-boy bander recalled how shocked he and his bandmates were after seeing a picture of themselves in a newspaper. They were apparently so surprised that they went out and bought another copy and took turns marveling at the image in the paper. Little did they know that they would become frequent fixtures in tabloids around the world after gaining fame on “The X Factor!”
Not So “Magic!”
It’s no secret that many musicians look to various substances to help boost their creativity during music-making sessions, but we think one incident will make Harry Styles think twice about including illicit substances in his creative process.
While recording music for his 2019 album, “Fine Line,” Harry ingested hallucinogenic mushrooms (often called “magic mushrooms”) which made him unaware that he had bitten off the tip of his tongue! Eventually, he realized that he had injured himself. Let’s hope his next recording sessions are done sober!
A Scary Close Call
Being rich and famous can come with a dark side - it can make you an easy target for thieves and other criminals. On Valentine’s Day in 2020, Harry Styles was mugged at knifepoint not far from where he lives in London.
Though the incident was undeniably scary, he joked, “that’s what you get for being single these days” as he was mugged on a usually couples-oriented holiday. Thankfully, Harry was able to escape from the event unscathed. Let’s hope his future Valentine’s Days are more romantic!
Harry’s Groundbreaking Vogue Cover
No longer seen as just another former-boy bander, Harry Styles has carved out a unique career for himself while showing off his unique sense of style, despite receiving harsh criticism for it. In 2020, Harry almost caused the internet to crash when images of his Vogue cover emerged featuring the pop star in a dress.
Immediately, the photos caused a stir in the media. Harry’s cover was a historical breakthrough. He is the first male to grace the cover of the iconic magazine solo in its 128-year history. While many criticized the unique look, most reactions were completely supportive.
Moves Like Jagger … Or Not!
With his long hair, androgynous style, and undeniable stage presence, it’s no surprise that Harry Styles has been compared to musical legends like David Bowie and even Mick Jagger. But unfortunately, not everyone agrees.
Rolling Stones’ frontman Mick Jagger threw some shade at the pop star saying “he doesn’t have a voice like mine or move on stage like me; he just has a superficial resemblance to my younger self, which is fine — he can’t help that.” Ouch! We have a feeling Harry’s fans won’t be listening to the ‘Stones anymore!
Staying at a Fan's Home
In what could only happen in a super fan’s dream, in 2020, Harry Styles’ car broke down in front of the home of one of his fans. In typical British fashion, the fan’s father let Harry in to use their phone and enjoy a cup of tea.
Sadly for the young fan, she was not home during this historic moment. Thankfully, Harry kindly wrote her a note saying he was “devastated that we missed each other,” but that he signed a copy of his album “Fine Line” for her and even fed her pet fish, named aptly, Harry!
Wilde Heart
From older women to some of the hottest models in the fashion industry, Harry Styles’ love life is just as colorful as his wardrobe, but one woman, in particular, seems to have captured his heart - actress and director Olivia Wilde.
Harry met his future girlfriend when he was cast in Olivia’s film, “Don’t Worry Darling” in the fall of 2020. Though the couple has a decade between them, it doesn’t seem to bother the PDA-loving pair. There are even reports that the pair may be getting serious soon, with rumors of a proposal and marriage.
Cleanliness Clause
With his tabloid-grabbing love life and suggestive lyrics and music videos, it can be hard to imagine anyone telling Harry Styles what to do. But it turns out that he (and the other band members of One Direction) were limited by a ‘cleanliness clause’ which prevented him from talking about anything controversial, including his orientation and his love life.
Harry explained that he felt “ashamed” to discuss his love life. He even admitted to bursting “into tears” when he found out his new record label, Columbia, wouldn’t impose a cleanliness clause, saying he finally “felt free.”
Open About Therapy
Being thrust into the public eye as just a teen, it would be expected that Harry Styles sometimes needs to talk to someone privately about his often wild and unpredictable showbiz lifestyle.
The singer confessed that he began seeing a therapist after One Direction disbanded, after initially rejecting the idea. He described his refusal to get help as “a very British way of looking at it.” Thankfully, Harry was able to open up and is now an advocate for mental health issues.
A Witchy Meeting
Like many classic artists, Harry Styles considers Stevie Nicks to be a huge influence when it comes to making music. Not only is he influenced by the Fleetwood Mac artist, but he actually became friends with her as well.
In 2020, he told radio host Howard Stern about how Nicks and her “witches coven” of friends came over after dinner and didn’t leave until six in the morning. Harry joked that they must be supernatural creatures because of their nocturnal lifestyle, and joked that while he was “exhausted” they had all the energy in the world.
Father Figure
Not only are many of Harry Styles’ love interests older than him, but it seems that Harry also likes to roll with an older group of friends. One of his closest friends is popular British television and radio host Nick Grimshaw.
The hard-partying host and the pop star are frequently photographed out on the town. One outing, however, left the radio DJ fuming - he was mistaken for Harry’s father early in the pop star’s career. Though Nick is only nine years older, a fellow shopper in a store assumed that the slightly older companion was Harry’s dad!
More to Love
While there are things that fans wish they knew about their favorite artist, there are some things we probably didn’t need to know - case-in-point, the fact that Harry Styles has four (!) nipples. Harry’s condition, called polythelia, has resulted in the star having two additional nipples.
These excess features, however, have not prevented Harry from being frequently seen shirtless - for example in the One Direction music video for “Kiss you” and for Harry’s solo single “Golden.” It seems a “the more, the better” attitude when it comes to his numerous unique features!
The Reason for His Distinctive Gait
Watching Harry Styles maneuver effortlessly across the stage, you would never know that the pop star is actually self-conscious about his unique walk. The reason he feels this way is because he is actually lopsided in that one of his legs is half an inch longer than the other.
In addition to giving him a distinct speed, the star also suffers from chronic backache. He explained that the injury was caused by one of his early jobs as a paperboy, and the heavy stacks of newspapers he had to deliver.
That's What Makes You “Boo”-Tiful!
Harry Styles may have grown up in a sleepy northern British city, but it seems that the real party would start when the sun went down. According to British paranormal expert and host of UK paranormal reality show “Most Haunted,” Yvette Fielding, says Harry and her son often went ghost hunting together!
The duo began their ghostly adventures when Harry was 11 when the two boys would look for ghosts in Yvette’s backyard. She revealed that “he’s really interested in the paranormal” and would often ask the ghost expert about what she had seen!
Birds of a Feather ...
While many fawn over Harry Styles’ signature tousled locks, the same cannot be said about birds. In a hilariously disgusting anecdote, actress Salma Hayek, shared what happened when Harry met her rescue owl - let’s just say things didn’t go well.
Harry apparently wanted the owl to perch on his head just like he did to Salma. Unfortunately, the owl had a different idea. He perched on the singer's head but then decided to cough up a hairball full of rat hair on Harry’s prized mane. Somehow, he was “super cool” about the whole hairy situation!
Harry’s Dating Advice
Who knew that Harry Styles was such a romantic? In 2021 Harry stopped his Minnesota concert when he spotted a female fan carrying a sign which read “Should I text him?”
The pop star then proceeded to ask (in front of the whole arena!) questions about the girl’s suitor before telling her that she should text him (just not double text) and left the audience with this gem of advice straight from the romantic film “The Notebook”,"My personal opinion is that if there's any sort of games, trash, trash, trash, not for you." Well said, Harry!
Styles Spa Session
In 2021, a British spa booking service called SpaSeekers unveiled their latest themed spa- a spa experience inspired by Harry Styles and his music. As the curated Harry Styles playlist plays in the background and candles with the name “Breath Me In” burn, fans can relax as they sip their “Watermelon Sugar” drinks!
The spa even went to great lengths to avoid using olives and beetroots in their lunch options as the pop star is apparently NOT a fan! A pop-star-inspired spa day? Count us in!
Harry Styles 101
Looks like school just got a lot more interesting! Forget classes like History 101 and other nap-inducing classes, students at Texas State University’s Honors College can now take a class called “Harry Styles and the Cult of Celebrity: Identity, the Internet and European Pop Culture.”
The class, which focuses on the British pop star, aims to help students "understand the cultural and political development of the modern celebrity." We're sure that Harry’s notorious love life will be part of the course syllabus. Sign us up!
Nailed It!
If there’s one thing that Harry Styles is known for (beyond his talent and headline-grabbing love life), it's the flawless manicure he usually rocks. Harry has been photographed sporting nail polish in every color from black to beige.
Taking his love of nail art to the next level, the singer released his own line of nail polish called "Pleasing." In addition to nail polishes, his brand also includes a skincare line and other beauty products. Considering how effortlessly good Harry looks, we’re sure his fans will try anything to recreate his appearance!
A Smart Sleep Ritual
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your body is to get enough sleep. In the summer of 2022, Harry Styles revealed that contrary to his reputation as a wild partier, he actually goes straight to sleep after performing on tour.
He even told one media outlet that he aims for “10 or 11 hours minimum when I’m touring.” He refers to his long sleep sessions as a sort of “cocoon” that allows him to give his audience the most energy he can when he’s on stage. Judging by his energetic performances, we think his sleep schedule is working!
Harry’s Nudity Clause
When fans saw a clip of Harry Styles’ film, "The Policeman," the internet abounded with talk that the pop star-turned serious actor would be showing a lot more skin than previously thought. In the film, Harry plays a policeman torn between two lovers in 1950s England.
Eventually, the star was forced to clear up any rumors by explaining (to disappointed fans) that no body parts are in the film’s “final cut” and that any revealing scenes are “pre-negotiated.” Sorry fans, you’ll just have to use your imagination!
A Serious Actor
In addition to focusing on a career as a solo artist, Harry has also been bitten by the acting bug. In 2022, he starred in the psychological thriller, “Don’t Worry Darling.” Directed by his now-girlfriend Olivia Wilde, the film follows the residents of a seemingly perfect experimental community in 1950s California.
Fans were sent into a spiral when a clip from a particularly risque scene made the rounds on the internet featuring Harry in a rather compromising position. This steamy role is just one more role in the pop star’s increasingly impressive acting resume!
Surprise Guest
Once at the top of the charts, Shania Twain was one of the biggest female acts in music. It seems that Harry Styles hasn’t forgotten about the Canadian star or her influence on him as a musician.
In 2022, Harry surprised audiences at the Coachella music festival when he invited Shania Twain on stage for a duet. Together, they belted out two of Shania’s biggest hits including “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” and "You’re Still The One.”Harry even joked that Shania taught him how to sing and that “She also taught me that men are trash.”
Harry’s Special Relationship With Liam
Though the five members of One Direction spent most of their late teens together, the bandmates didn’t always get along. When the group officially split in 2016, many thought that would be the end of their friendship.
Fans worried when former-bandmate Liam Payne said he and Harry hadn’t spoken in a “long time.”Thankfully, the two are on speaking terms and Harry even reached out to Liam when he was having some personal issues. He said that Harry has a “sixth sense for if I’m struggling or if one of us is in trouble.”
Harry’s Family-Inspired Ink
Styles boasts an estimated 50 unique tattoos all over his body. Naturally, many of his tattoos are dedicated to the people closest to him - his family. He has his sister Gemma’s name tattooed in Hebrew on his upper arm, as well as a cursive “g” on his shoulder and a picture of Gemma’s favorite type of cookie.
He has the birth years of both of his parents on each collarbone and a cursive letter “a'' for his mom Anne on his shoulder. We guess it's his way of keeping family close, even when he’s traveling!
Harry’s Impressive Car Collection
Just like his interesting taste in clothing Harry Styles has a rather eclectic collection of cars. His impressive collection, which contains many classic cars, is estimated to be worth more than $100 million! The singer has been photographed going for a spin in different models of Ferraris, and a Tesla Model X.
He seems to also have a soft spot for classic cars including a Jaguar E-Type Roadster, a Ford Capri from the 1970s, and a classic Mercedes-Benz. Suffice to say, that Harry knows how to get more than his fan’s engines running!
Bedtime Stories With Harry
Styles doesn’t just sound good when he sings, the British pop star also has a pleasant speaking voice. His measured and deep Northern British accent has often been considered to be soothing and enjoyable to listen to.
It's this pleasant quality of his voice that probably led to him being asked to participate in the British children’s channel CBeebies’ “Bedtime Stories.”Wearing brown and blue spotted pajamas, the star read the bedtime story “In Every House, On Every Street” written by Jes Hitchman. Nap time just got so much better!
Teacher’s Pet
Though Harry has seen some of the most amazing places around the world, there’s nothing quite like being home (or close to it). In June of 2022, Harry surprised concertgoers at a stadium in Manchester by pausing his concert to give a shoutout to his "first ever school teacher Mrs. Vernon."
Projecting images of Mrs.Vernon and his other school teachers (who were also in attendance), Harry thanked the teachers for everything they did for him. He even joked about them putting up with him as a four-year-old which we can only imagine was no picnic!