Simon Cowell recently revealed that Harry Styles personally reached out to him following controversial remarks made about their time together in One Direction. In a candid interview on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast, Cowell expressed regret over not owning the rights to the band’s name, which he attributed to limiting their potential collaborations.
The music mogul, known for his role on The X Factor, admitted that his comments stirred reactions from former bandmates Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan, who unfollowed him on social media. Despite any differences, Cowell emphasized Styles’ gesture of calling him after hearing the podcast. “It was great to hear from him,” Cowell told Hello! Magazine. “He reminisced about the great times we had together.”
One Direction, initially formed on The X Factor and consisting of Styles, Tomlinson, Horan, Liam Payne, and previously Zayn Malik, soared to global fame despite finishing third on the show. Their success, however, meant they owned their brand, restricting Cowell’s involvement in their subsequent ventures.
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Reflecting on his podcast revelation, Cowell mused about the implications of not owning the band’s name: “If one of the band members decides against touring, it affects everyone. If I owned the name, things would be different.” Despite any regrets, Cowell praised Styles, Niall, and Louis for their loyalty, contrasting their paths since the band’s hiatus in 2016.
While Styles pursued a successful solo career and ventured into acting, Payne signed with Republic Records, and Tomlinson and Horan continued collaborations. The bandmates, though diverging, continue to amass significant earnings, with their joint accounts reportedly holding £2.9 million.
Cowell’s candid revelations shed light on the complexities of artist management and the enduring impact of their collaboration. As Styles and his former bandmates navigate solo careers, their collective legacy as One Direction remains a testament to their meteoric rise and enduring influence in pop music.
