English singer and songwriter and One Direction band member, Louis Tomlinson didn’t back down in sharing his thoughts about his career after One Direction. He recently admitted to some envy when his other bandmate, Harry Styles went solo. He said to The Times, according to NME,  “When One Direction split up, I was mortified, I was absolutely gutted. I was a bit bitter, I suppose because it felt like another loss to me. But I’ve a better understanding of things now, and there’s not as much anger. It is what it is.” 

Tomlinson confirmed that it was not much of “a surprise” that Harry Styles has become successful as he has been. “We were always aware that Harry would fit the mould, and it’s been an amazing thing to watch,” Tomlinson said.  “Envy? At the start maybe, when I was trying to find my feet, but it’s never healthy to cross reference your own success with others is it? These days, I’m learning to elevate myself in those moments when I have to. I didn’t know how to do that before, but now? Now I know I f****** can.” 

Although the two had known each other, prior to their early careers, they did not become friends until they joined their fellow bandmates, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik to form One Direction in 2010.

The boyband went on to become one of the biggest and most recognised bands of all time, drastically breaking records, touring the world, and winning awards. However, when Zayn departed from the band in 2015, the remaining band member went on an indefinite hiatus which led the band and Zayn to eventually part ways.

Tomlinson explained that it was then that he felt an intense sense of rivalry between Styles. He believes that both himself and Styles are on the same level. Ever since their solo careers started, he felt like he was desperately trying to outdo him. Ever since his album, Walls was released, despite being a successful venture, he says that he continues to look up to Styles and admires him for his achievements.

At the BRIT Awards, where Harry made a controversial statement, “This doesn’t happen to people like me very often.” which sparked outrage amongst viewers. Louis was asked to give his thoughts about this situation and he said, “Only Harry knows what he means there… but we all came from relatively humble beginnings, and now we are where we are.”

After the Faith In The Future album was released in November 2022, he expressed his excitement to continue his solo career and will be dropping more music soon.