One Direction: Where Are They Now?

Enough tears were cried to fill the ocean when One Direction announced their breakup in 2016. In fact, Directioners are still grieving to this very day. Five people who aren’t crying however are Harry, Louis, Niall, Liam and Zayn. The 1D boys have been busy pursuing their solo careers, dating big-time celebrities and starring in blockbuster movies. Their post-One Direction days are actually looking pretty bright!

So which direction is Harry, Louis, Liam, Niall and Zayn headed in today? Where are they now and what is each member up to? From daddy duties to solo albums, here’s a summary of where One Direction is now…

Harry Styles

Has a Solo Career

As one of the band’s lead singers, it was only expected that Harry Styles would have a solo career. In June 2016, it was reported that Harry signed a recording contract with Columbia Records – the same label behind One Direction. His debut album, Harry Styles dropped in May 2017, while his second, Fine Line was released in December 2019 – both received favorable reviews by critics. Harry is also the proud writer of other stars’ songs like Someday by Meghan Trainor.

Made it to Hollywood

That’s right! Your favorite 1D member is becoming a movie star! Harry starred in the 2017 movie, Dunkirk, playing the role of a soldier called Alex. The Christopher Nolan film also starred actors Tom Hardy and Mark Rylance. Harry in military gear? SWOON! Harry also managed to get a few deals behind the Hollywood scenes, by serving as an executive producer on the CBS sitcom, Happy Together. 

Became Mega-Rich

He may have left one of the biggest boybands in the world, but that hasn’t stopped the dollars coming in! Harry was officially named second on the Sunday Times Rich List of musicians in the UK under 30, with an estimated net worth of £58 million!

Dated Supermodels

In between acting and writing an album, Harry dated model-of-the-moment, Kendall Jenner. The two never officially confirmed their relationship, but they were spotted together on-and-off throughout 2013. He was later rumored to be dating Victoria’s Secret model, Camille Rowe. Isn’t he a lucky lad?

Niall Horan

Released Solo Music

Niall released his first solo song without warning, driving Directioners and Niallators insane. This Town, which sounded eerily similar to One Direction’s Little Things was released in September 2016. Niall also released his first ever solo album in 2017, called Flicker, and his second album, Heartbreak Weather in 2020.

Done Charity Work

Good old Niall! Since leaving One Direction the sweetheart has been doing a lot of charity work. In 2015, he created the “Horan and Rose Gala” with golf player, Justin Rose -a charity event in aid of Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens and in 2016, he and Louis joined Soccer Aid – a fundraiser for UNICEF. He also joined Ariana Grande for her Manchester attack benefit concert which helped raise over £2 million for the victims.

Founded his Own Company

Indeed, Niall has stepped into the business-man’s shoes since leaving 1D! Blending his passion for golf and entrepreneurship, the singer founded golf management company, Modest Golf, with Mark McDonnell and Ian Watts. Established in 2016, the company has signed several golf players and earned its first European tour win thanks to Italian golfer, Guido Migliozzi.

Zayn Malik

Released Solo Music

Zayn left One Direction months before the band split up, so he had a lot more time to establish his solo career. Not only has he worked with Chris Brown, Usher, Lil Wayne, M.I.A and Snakeships, Zayn has also nabbed himself a number one album, (Mind of Mine) and singles since leaving the band. It’s safe to say he’s been giving Justin Bieber a run for his money!

Dated Gigi Hadid

Zayn has had his fair-share of girlfriends – even after leaving 1D. Since breaking up with Perrie Edwards, Zayn famously dated model, Gigi Hadid. The hot duo has even posed for Vogue magazine, making many fans green with envy.

Louis Tomlinson

Started His Own Record Label

Louis no longer gets told what to do. He’s now running his own record label! Louis apparently created his own record label named Triple Strings Ltd in 2015 which is launched under Simon Cowell’s label, Syco Entertainment. We’d have Louis as our manager any day!

Managed a Girl Group

Louis is no stranger to making a successful music group! Not only was he a judge on the UK’s The X Factor, he also mentors and manages an unknown girl band that he founded alongside Simon Cowell. “They are as good as I have ever heard. I think he has got a real knack for this”, Simon said of Louis. Will this be the female version of 1D?

Had Daddy and Dating Duties

Louis’ son was born in January 2016 and he has been enjoying fatherhood ever since. He’s even admitted that he’s looking forward to having more kids in the future! Ladies, get in queue! Louis has also dated Disney star, Danielle Campbell and is currently boo’d up with Eleanor Calder.

Had a Solo Deal

In November 2016, Louis became the final member of One Direction to announce his solo career. Not only is he managing a girl group and taking care of baby Freddie, but Louis is also making his own music via Simon Cowell’s record label, Syco. His first single was with Steve Aoki called Just Hold On.  

Liam Payne

Has a Record Deal

With such great vocal abilities and star quality, it was only expected that Liam would also nab himself a solo career once leaving the band. In 2016, he was signed by Republic Records in North America. He dropped his first album, LP1 in December 2019. This is definitely the start of something big for the heartthrob!

Collaborated with Big Names

Since leaving the band, Liam has been busy teaming up with big names in music including Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell and Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J. He’s paired up with big stars on a number of his songs such as Strip That Down, which featured Quavo and was co-written with Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac. Bedroom Floor was curated with Zedd, while his soundtrack for Fifty Shades Freed was released alongside Rita Ora.

Dated Cheryl and Became a Daddy

Liam dated British beauty, Cheryl Tweedy at the start of 2016 but their relationship sadly ended just two years later. It may have been a sad breakup, but at least Liam was able to join fatherhood! Cheryl gave birth to their baby boy, Louis on March 22nd 2017.

It’s safe to say that the One Direction boys are doing pretty well for themselves ever since the band split up. Have no fear Directioners – we have a feeling Harry, Niall, Louis, Liam and Zayn will be in the spotlight for years to come.

We have to ask though; whose solo career do you support most? Leave a comment below…

---

Article features the image “Harry Styles” by Eva Rinaldi is licensed under CC BY 2.0 / modified
Article features the image “Niall Horan // One Direction Better With U Tour March 3, 2012” by BrittneyATambeau is licensed under CC BY 2.0 / modified
Article features the image “IMG_6766” by karina3094 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 / modified
Article features the image “Louis Tomlinson // One Direction Better With U Tour March 3, 2012” by BrittneyATambeau is licensed under CC BY 2.0 / modified
Article features the image “IMG_6807” by karina3094 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 / modified