Few artists possess a more intimate understanding of pop music’s shifting tides than Louis Tomlinson. Having lived through the global phenomenon of One Direction, the singer has spent recent years observing as BTS ascended to claim the mantle of the world’s most dominant group.
In a candid new Billboard cover feature released on January 12, Tomlinson spoke with Jason Lipshutz about the evolution of the boy band landscape. While he admits he doesn’t obsessively track every new act, he noted that the meteoric surge of the K-pop titans was impossible to overlook. “There was a specific window where BTS was truly exploding,” the British artist recalled with a smile. “It felt like every time I checked social media, they had eclipsed one of our long-standing records—be it the fastest-selling release or another milestone. They just kept taking them!”
Rather than feeling competitive, Tomlinson views the shift as an inevitable part of the creative cycle. “It was a bit of a sting at the time, sure! But I don’t hold any resentment. That is simply the heartbeat of the music industry; it’s constantly in motion,” he explained.
Reflecting on the legacy of One Direction, Tomlinson remains convinced that their specific brand of stardom was a lightning-in-a-bottle moment. He suggested that while others may attempt to replicate that success, 1D succeeded by dismantling the traditional boy band archetype. “Before us, there was a very rigid template for how these groups operated—coordinated choreography, matching wardrobes, a very specific polish. We purposefully broke that mold,” he added.
This introspection comes at a pivotal moment for Tomlinson, who is preparing to launch his latest solo project, How Did I Get Here?, on January 23. The release also follows an incredibly somber period for the musician and his former bandmates as they navigate the aftermath of Liam Payne’s tragic passing in late 2024.
Addressing his current relationship with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, Tomlinson noted that their shared grief has fostered a renewed sense of unity. “Naturally, there’s a closeness now that feels more profound than it has in years,” he shared. However, he acknowledged the logistical hurdles of their individual lives. “We’re all moving in different directions and staying busy, so constant communication isn’t always easy. But with someone like Niall, we can go a year without a single text, sit down for a drink, and it feels like not a second has passed.”
