One Direction Then & Now: Photos

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One Direction is a popular British music group put together by the British version of ‘The X Factor’ in 2010. Check out some of their best then and now pics here.

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One Direction In Their Last Year Together

One Direction In Their Last Year Together
David Fisher/Shutterstock

July 23, 2019 is the ninth anniversary of One Direction forming on ‘The X Factor UK’. Each member of the boy band — Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik — auditioned for the singing competition as solo artists, but got eliminated. But Simon Cowell saw something in them. He brought them back on the show to perform as a group. And while they came in third place that season in 2010, the rest was history. Their catchy songs, like ‘What Makes You Beautiful’, ‘Drag Me Down’, and ‘Story of My Life’ became instant hits. The band went on indefinite hiatus in 2015, after ‘Made in the A.M.’ dropped and Zayn left the band. But they’ve thrived on their own as solo artists, actors, and even fathers, in Liam and Louis’ cases. Take a look back at the One Direction guys at the beginning of One Direction’s career compared to now, in this gallery! 

July 23, 2019, 9:18AM
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Niall Horan poses then and now

Niall Horan poses then and now
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Niall Horan was first eliminated as a solo artist on ‘The X Factor’, but was given the opportunity to join four other guys as a group. The rest is history! Niall now heads a golf management company, Modest Golf, and embarked on a solo career in 2016. His 2018 album ‘Flicker’ was a major hit.

July 23, 2019, 9:18AM
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Zayn Malik poses then and now

Zayn Malik poses then and now
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Zayn Malik split from One Direction in 2015, before the group disbanded, citing his desire to ‘be a normal 22-year-old.’ Zayn suffered from severe anxiety. His solo career skyrocketed with the release of his single ‘Pillowtalk’. He was also in a high-profile relationship with model Gigi Hadid, and continues to make solo music.

July 23, 2019, 9:18AM
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Harry Styles poses then and now

Harry Styles poses then and now
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Harry Styles released his self-titled album in 2017, and the lead single, ‘Sign of the Times’ was a huge hit. It was even named Single of the Year by ‘Rolling Stone’. Harry has continued to make glam rock, and started acting. He played a WWII soldier in ‘Dunkirk’, and was considered to play Elvis in the biopic. He was also rumored to be up for the role of Prince Eric’ in the new ‘The Little Mermaid’. 

July 23, 2019, 9:18AM
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Liam Payne poses then and now

Liam Payne poses then and now
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Liam Payne released his debut single, ‘Strip That Down’, in 2017. He welcomed a son, Bear, that same year with then-girlfriend, Cheryl. They split the following year.

July 23, 2019, 9:18AM
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Louis Tomlinson poses then and now

Louis Tomlinson poses then and now
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Louis Tomlinson released several singles as a solo artist, including ‘Back To You’ with Bebe Rexha and ‘Just Hold On’. Louis is also a footballer with the Doncaster Rovers, and formed his own record label called Triple Strings. He became a father in 2015 with the birth of his son, Freddie, whom he shares with ex Briana Jungwirth.

July 23, 2019, 9:18AM
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