Louis Tomlinson Reveals the One Direction Hit He "Hated" Performing in Candid New Conversation

Louis Tomlinson is opening up like never before. The singer revealed the startling truth about one of One Direction's biggest hits—a song he secretly "hated" playing despite its widespread success—during a recent conversation about his journey from the band's spectacular rise to his own evolving solo career. In addition to this open admission, Louis talked about his development as an artist, an unreleased One Direction song he battled for, and what fans may anticipate from his next solo album. His honesty offers a fresh, human look at the realities behind fame, chart-topping music, and personal artistic identity.

The confession: A Hit He Couldn't Enjoy

Louis Tomlinson shocked many fans by disclosing that the song he most "hated" performing with One Direction was their huge debut single 'What Makes You Beautiful' in a candid new interview while promoting his upcoming solo album. He said, "Maybe some people wouldn't answer this, but I'm not sure there was a single time I performed One Direction's 'What Makes You Beautiful' and enjoyed it. That always felt like a bit of a challenge."

Image Courtesy: Metro

The revelation is intriguing since 'What Makes You Beautiful' wasn't just any other song. Released in 2011, it was the breakout track that catapulted One Direction to international stardom, topping charts and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Louis's uneasiness while singing it, however, demonstrates that what appears miraculous to viewers isn't necessarily the same behind the scenes.

He also opened up about a song from the One Direction vault that never saw an official release—'Where We Are.' He claims that it was composed while the band was working on their last or second-to-last album. "I always really, really loved that song. I was fighting for that song to make the record. It never did," he revealed—and he believes it eventually got leaked.

Image Courtesy: Teen Idols

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From One Direction Fame to Solo Identity

Before that confession, Louis had already had quite a journey. After trying out on The X Factor in 2010, he joined forces with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Liam Payne to form One Direction. From school-stage performances to a 3,000-strong live audition room, Louis's journey was far from easy. Over the years, the band sold tens of millions of records worldwide, toured globally, and became one of the biggest pop phenomena of the 2010s. 

Image Courtesy: Page Six

However, Louis claims that rather than being highlighted as the group's lead vocalist, he was frequently more active backstage, managing logistics and paperwork. Louis embarked on a solo career after the band broke up in 2015 (Zayn left in 2015, and the group took an indefinite pause in 2016). In 2020, he released his debut solo album 'Walls,' followed by 'Faith in the Future' in 2022. He's come a long way, yet even as an accomplished solo artist, he can still clearly recall the forced delight of One Direction's greatest hits.

Image Courtesy: M&B Music Blog

The Upcoming Album

Louis isn't just reflecting on the past—he's looking forward. On 23rd January, 2026, his new album 'How Did I Get Here?' will be released. The record has already been characterized as a more self-assured, carefree representation of his current self, both personally and professionally. He told media that it captures a renewed sense of hope and self-assurance. 

The first single from the album, 'Lemonade,' is out and already marks a new chapter in his solo career. Louis also shared that he is interested in investigating the "other side of music," which might include music management or assisting in the development of up-and-coming musicians. He said he thinks that phase might come later in life, maybe when he's older and more settled. 

Image Courtesy: Bilboard

In that light, the revelation about 'What Makes You Beautiful' gains extra meaning. It's not just a piece of band-history trivia—it's a sign of how far Louis has come: from feeling uneasy singing a manufactured pop smash, to confidently steering his own creative journey.

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