Louis Tomlinson Reflects on One Direction’s “Corny” Chart-Topper
Former One Direction frontman, Louis Tomlinson, has opened up about his feelings towards the band’s explosive debut single, “What Makes You Beautiful.” Despite its massive global success and status as a UK number one hit, Tomlinson candidly described the track as “a little corny” and admitted to finding it uncool at the time.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Scott Mills, the 34-year-old artist confessed that while he has his reservations about the song, he acknowledged its pivotal role in launching his career. “I probably had my whole career to thank for it,” he stated, adding that while the song was “great,” it felt “all a bit Grease.”
When asked to identify his least favourite One Direction song to perform, Tomlinson didn’t hesitate. “What Makes You Beautiful, always, always, always, always,” he declared. He elaborated on his reasoning, explaining that the song represented the band’s most “bubble gum pop moment.” Furthermore, he found performing it felt “so eggy” given his age at the time. “I was 18, and it wasn’t the coolest thing to be in a boyband, and then we got really big, so it was cool,” he mused.
Tomlinson went on to illustrate his point with a specific lyric. “You know, singing, ‘baby, you light up my world like nobody else,’ honestly, like it wouldn’t be out of place in a Disney film, so it felt a little corny,” he admitted with a wry smile.
However, Tomlinson was quick to pivot to a track he holds in much higher regard. He praised One Direction’s UK number two single, “Story Of My Life,” suggesting it marked a significant shift in the band’s musical direction, moving them away from the typical boyband sound.
“Story Of My Life”: A Turning Point for One Direction
“My favourite One Direction song as it is on record is probably ‘Story Of My Life’,” Tomlinson revealed. “I think that was a real moment, that’s not the kind of record you expect from a band like One Direction, and I think that was kind of a turning point for us.”
He further explained the impact of the song, highlighting its departure from what was expected of boybands at the time. “So I remember feeling really proud that (it) wasn’t the kind of song that you could ever dance to, there was definitely a kind of mould of boybands before then, and I think that was a song that really helped us kind of break out of that.”
Tomlinson’s solo journey began after he and his One Direction bandmates – Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Harry Styles – embarked on a hiatus in 2016. This followed Zayn Malik’s departure from the group approximately a year earlier.
Tragically, Liam Payne passed away at the age of 31 in October 2024, following a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina. The surviving members of One Direction, alongside former manager Simon Cowell, reunited for Payne’s funeral in November of that year, a somber occasion that underscored the enduring bond between the former bandmates.
Tomlinson’s Evolving Solo Career
Since the hiatus, Louis Tomlinson has carved out a successful solo career. He launched his debut solo album, Walls, in 2020, which peaked at number four on the UK albums chart. He has since released two more acclaimed albums: Faith In The Future in 2022 and his third studio album, How Did I Get Here?, in January.
His last two solo efforts have both topped the UK albums chart, a testament to his growing artistry and fan base. Tomlinson has also enjoyed success with top 10 hit singles, including collaborations like “Just Hold On” with Steve Aoki and “Back To You” with Bebe Rexha and Digital Farm Animals.
One Direction’s story began in 2010 when they were assembled by Simon Cowell on the popular ITV talent show, The X Factor. Their formation marked the beginning of a global phenomenon that would dominate the music charts and capture the hearts of millions. While “What Makes You Beautiful” may hold a “corny” place in Tomlinson’s personal history, its undeniable impact on their early success and the band’s subsequent evolution remains a significant chapter in their collective narrative.
