The X Factor UK gave One Direction fans an extended clip of Styles’ audition tape over the weekend, which included a previously unreleased interpretation of Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister.” Only the 28-year-old Harry’s House singer’s song of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” reached the final cut when Styles’ audition aired on ITV in 2010.
However, according to the full version, Styles, who was 16 at the time, originally sang Train’s 2009 hit before judge Simon Cowell requested him to sing a song without background music. Cowell asked, “I don’t know whether it’s the track that’s throwing you, but can I hear something just you, without any music?” In addition to the song, the video also has footage of the ‘Watermelon Sugar’ singer discussing his bakery profession and revealing that he wanted to test out his singing because his mother always gave him compliments for it.
When Cowell questioned Styles about his opinion of his own abilities, he responded, “I think I could do it, but I think with your help I could be a lot better than I am.” Following Styles’ audition, judges Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell both gave him a “Yes,” but Louis Walsh voted “No.” Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Niall Horan all auditioned as solo performers for the event.
However, early in the season, each competitor was eliminated as a soloist before being invited back on stage and urged to join a band that was later named One Direction instead. After finishing third on the competition programme, the band went on to record five studio albums before announcing an indefinite sabbatical in 2015. Malik had announced his departure earlier that year.
Styles has since released three studio albums. In May, he released Harry’s House, which included fan favourites “As It Was” and “Late Night Talking.” In an interview for Better Homes & Gardens’ June cover, Styles spoke up about his transition from the band to a solo artist in April. Styles added that growing up in One Direction taught him that in order to be successful, he had to be liked and that meant being well-behaved.
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