Louis Tomlinson "always knew" Harry Styles would have the biggest solo career post-One Direction.
The singer has revealed that he always knew the As It Was hitmaker would have the greatest success as a solo artist after the boy band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
"I always knew Harry was going to go on to do what he's done - I'm sure he's superseded his own expectations in the way that he's taken over the world, but we knew he's got everything it takes to be a great artist," Tomlinson told Billboard in an interview published Monday.
Tomlinson added that he had "a good feeling" about their bandmate Niall Horan's solo prospects as well.
"Niall, I had a good feeling about too - he's Irish, he's lovely, everyone loves him," he stated, before noting that historically there is "not normally more than two" people from a band who go on to "prosper" as solo artists.
Tomlinson, Horan, Zayn Malik and the late Liam Payne experienced success with their solo careers, but not to the same level as Styles.
The star made his solo debut with the 2017 single Sign of the Times and his self-titled album, which he followed with 2019's Fine Line and 2022's Harry's House. He has enjoyed huge success with singles such as Watermelon Sugar and As It Was, sold out arenas and stadiums on a major global tour and even appeared in several films.
Styles has sparked speculation that he is gearing up to return to music after more than two years out of the limelight. He has launched a new website, webelongtogether.co, and his official website now features a mysterious sign-up form. In addition, cryptic billboards bearing the message "we belong together" have popped up in cities around the world.
Meanwhile, Tomlinson will release his third studio album, How Did I Get Here?, on 23 January.
