Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Harry Styles
How Harry Styles built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Harry Styles is an English singer, songwriter, and actor. Rising to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction, he has since achieved significant success as a solo artist. Known for his charismatic stage presence, musical talent, and flamboyant fashion sense, Styles has become a prominent figure in popular culture. His work has had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and fashion.
April 2010: X Factor Audition
On April 11, 2010, Harry Styles auditioned as a solo contestant for the seventh series of The X Factor, singing a rendition of Train's "Hey, Soul Sister" before changing to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely".
July 2010: Formation of One Direction
In July 2010, Harry Styles, along with four other eliminated contestants from The X Factor, were put together to form the boy band One Direction.
2010: One Direction Formed
In 2010, Harry Styles's musical career began when he became part of One Direction, a boy band formed on The X Factor.
January 2011: Signed with Syco Records
In January 2011, One Direction signed a recording contract with Simon Cowell's label, Syco Records.
2012: Take Me Home Album Release
In 2012, One Direction released their second studio album, Take Me Home, which debuted at number one in the UK.
2013: Styles and Payne became Trekstock Ambassadors
In 2013, Harry Styles and Liam Payne became ambassadors for Trekstock, a cancer charity, and raised over US$800,000. Also in 2013, Styles responded to the Westboro Baptist Church picketing a One Direction concert by tweeting that he "believes in equal rights for everyone."
2013: Midnight Memories Best-Selling Album
In 2013, Midnight Memories by One Direction was the world's best-selling album.
2013: Midnight Memories Album Release
In 2013, One Direction released their third studio album, Midnight Memories, which debuted at number one in the UK.
2014: Endorsed HeForShe campaign
In 2014, Harry Styles endorsed Emma Watson's HeForShe gender equality campaign, showing his support for gender equality.
2014: Supports LGBT Rights
In 2014, Harry Styles joined LGBT rights charity Stonewall's #FirstSnog campaign for their 25th anniversary and showed support for Michael Sam by wearing his jersey onstage during a One Direction concert in St. Louis.
2014: Four Album Release
In 2014, One Direction released their fourth studio album, Four, which debuted at number one in the UK.
2014: Where We Are Tour Grosses Highest
In 2014, One Direction's Where We Are Tour was the highest-grossing tour.
2014: Collaboration with stylist Harry Lambert
In 2014, during One Direction's 'Four' era, Harry Styles began collaborating with stylist Harry Lambert to refine his fashion choices.
March 2015: One Direction Sales Figures
As of March 2015, One Direction had sold 70 million records worldwide since their debut, including 7.6 million albums and 26 million singles in the US.
2015: Energetic Performances Since 2015
Critics have noted Harry Styles as an unusually energetic performer since at least 2015. Rob Sheffield described his performance in a Rolling Stone review as being so in love with being fast.
2015: Sponsored Water Wells in India
In 2015, Harry Styles sponsored water wells in India via Drop4Drop in support of Life Water's World Water Day campaign.
2015: Made in the A.M. Album Release
In 2015, One Direction released their fifth studio album, Made in the A.M., which debuted at number one in the UK.
2016: Solo Career Moves
In 2016, Harry Styles joined Jeffrey Azoff's Full Stop Management and talent agency CAA, signing a recording contract with Columbia Records and launching his own record label, Erskine Records. Recording for his debut album occurred throughout the year.
2016: Brexit Views and House of Lords Visit
In 2016, Harry Styles visited the House of Lords following an invitation by Labour peer Lord Winston to attend a debate on Brexit. Styles stated that "anything that brings people together is better than things that pull people apart" regarding Brexit.
2016: Featured in Another Man magazine
In 2016, Harry Styles was featured in Another Man magazine, leading The Guardian to label him an "artthrob", noting his allegiance to art and fashion.
2016: One Direction Hiatus
In 2016, One Direction went on an indefinite hiatus after completing promotional activities related to Made in the A.M.
March 2017: Announcement of "Sign of the Times" Release
In March 2017, Harry Styles announced that his first solo single, "Sign of the Times", would be released on April 7.
May 2017: Debut album release intimate shows for charity
In May 2017, Harry Styles celebrated the release of his debut album by playing intimate shows at The Garage in London and at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, with all proceeds benefiting charities.
May 2017: Release of Debut Solo Album Harry Styles
In May 2017, Harry Styles released his debut studio album, Harry Styles, which debuted at number one in several countries. The film Harry Styles: Behind the Album, documenting the album's creation, was released exclusively on Apple Music.
July 2017: Feature Film Debut in Dunkirk
In July 2017, Harry Styles made his feature film debut in Christopher Nolan's war film Dunkirk, playing a British soldier named Alex.
September 2017: Start of Live on Tour
In September 2017, Harry Styles embarked on his first headlining concert tour, Harry Styles: Live on Tour.
2017: Started using "Treat People with Kindness" slogan
In 2017, Harry Styles began using the slogan "Treat People with Kindness" during his debut concert tour on a badge on his guitar and tour merchandise.
2017: Debut Solo Album Release
In 2017, Harry Styles released his eponymous debut solo album through Erskine and Columbia Records. It debuted at number one in the UK and the US. The lead single, "Sign of the Times", topped the UK Singles Chart.
2017: Film Role in Dunkirk
In 2017, Harry Styles's film roles included Dunkirk.
July 2018: End of Live on Tour
Harry Styles: Live on Tour concludes in July 2018.
October 2018: Premiere of Happy Together
In October 2018, Happy Together, a CBS sitcom executive produced by Harry Styles, premiered. The sitcom was inspired by his time living with television producer Ben Winston and his wife.
2018: Performance with Fleetwood Mac at MusiCares
In 2018, Harry Styles joined Fleetwood Mac for a performance of "The Chain" when the band were honored with the MusiCares Person of the Year award.
2018: Received Gay Times Honour for LGBTQ Advocate
In 2018, Harry Styles received a Gay Times Honour for LGBTQ Advocate, highlighting his contributions and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
2018: Sold "Treat People with Kindness" T-shirts for Pride Month
In 2018, Harry Styles' online store sold "Treat People with Kindness" T-shirts in a rainbow print for Pride Month, with profits benefiting GLSEN. He also tweeted in support of the March for Our Lives petition and added "Black Lives Matter" and "End Gun Violence" stickers to his guitar.
July 2019: Consideration for The Little Mermaid
In July 2019, it was reported that Harry Styles was in early talks to play Prince Eric in the live-action Disney film The Little Mermaid, however he turned the part down.
October 2019: "Lights Up" Release
In October 2019, Harry Styles released "Lights Up", the lead single from his second album, Fine Line.
October 2019: Teaser Posters for New Album
In October 2019, teaser posters including the phrase "Do you know who you are?" and the acronym "TPWK" were spotted in various cities, connecting fans to Harry Styles and his upcoming album release.
December 2019: Addresses Using Influence for Causes
In December 2019, Harry Styles responded to an interview question about not using his influence more often to support specific causes, explaining his approach to activism.
December 2019: Discussed the Meaning of "Treat People with Kindness"
In a December 2019 interview, Harry Styles discussed the origin and impact of his "Treat People with Kindness" slogan, noting its organic growth and influence on his work.
2019: Fine Line Album Debut
In 2019, Harry Styles's second album, Fine Line, debuted atop the US Billboard 200. The single "Watermelon Sugar" eventually topped the US Billboard Hot 100.
March 2020: Other Works in March 2020
In March 2020, Harry Styles performed an NPR Tiny Desk concert and co-wrote the song "Changes" for Cam's album The Otherside.
May 2020: Supported Black Lives Matter
In May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Harry Styles showed support for Black Lives Matter, urging fans to share and donate in support, and pledged to donate to a bail fund for arrested activists.
2020: COVID-19 Lockdown Initiatives
During the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, Harry Styles released t-shirts with the slogan 'Stay Home. Stay Safe. Protect Each Other,' with 100% of profits going towards the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Styles also paid his core tour crew's salaries for the duration of the postponed dates until the end of 2020.
2020: First man on Vogue cover
In 2020, Harry Styles became the first man to appear solo on the cover of Vogue's December issue, wearing a Gucci dress which sparked controversy.
2020: Love On Tour Postponement
In 2020, the Love On Tour, planned to support Harry Styles's album Fine Line, was postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
January 2021: "Treat People with Kindness" Single Release
In January 2021, Harry Styles released the song "Treat People with Kindness" as a single, featuring Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the music video, inspired by the slogan he popularized.
September 2021: Love On Tour Kickoff
On September 4, 2021, Harry Styles's Love On Tour kicked off in Las Vegas after previous postponements.
November 2021: Eternals Cameo and Launch of Pleasing
In November 2021, Harry Styles made a cameo appearance as Eros / Starfox in Eternals and launched his gender-neutral skin and nail care brand, Pleasing.
2021: Film Role in Eternals
In 2021, Harry Styles's film roles included Eternals.
2021: Love On Tour Postponement
In 2021, the Love On Tour, planned to support Harry Styles's album Fine Line, was postponed from 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2022: Expressed views on Roe v. Wade
In June 2022, Harry Styles addressed the then potential overturning of Roe v. Wade, calling it "scary" and "going backwards" and emphasized the importance of backlash and uproar. He also referenced the ruling at his concert in Austin, Texas, affirming individuals' rights over their own bodies.
June 2022: Featured in AirPods Commercial
In June 2022, Harry Styles and his single "Music for a Sushi Restaurant" were featured in an AirPods commercial.
June 2022: Donates appearance fee to International Rescue Committee
On 2 June 2022, Harry Styles announced he was donating his appearance fee from Apple's AirPods' spatial audio campaign to the International Rescue Committee, supporting refugees fleeing Ukraine.
September 2022: Love On Tour at Madison Square Garden
In August and September 2022, as part of his Love On Tour, Harry Styles performed 15 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. To mark this achievement, a permanent banner was raised inside the venue, making him the third musical artist in history to receive this honor.
November 2022: Collaboration with Alessandro Michele on Gucci Collection
In November 2022, Harry Styles collaborated with Alessandro Michele on a Gucci collection titled "Gucci Ha Ha Ha".
2022: Success in 2022
In 2022, "As It Was" was the most-streamed song of the year globally on Spotify and Deezer, and Styles had a first-week vinyl sales count with Harry's House larger than anything any musician has managed before. Rolling Stone UK named Styles the "new King of Pop".
2022: Described as Having "Stomping, Head-Banging Exuberance"
In 2022, Craig McLean described Harry Styles' onstage physicality for The Face as, "stomping, head-banging exuberance" that is "impossible to resist."
2022: Success of Harry's House
In 2022, Harry Styles achieved critical and commercial success with his third album, Harry's House, and its lead single, "As It Was".
2022: Starred in Films and Auditioned for Elvis Biopic
In 2022, Harry Styles starred in the psychological thriller film Don't Worry Darling and the romantic drama film My Policeman. Styles also auditioned for the role of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's musical biopic Elvis, but did not get the part.
2022: Film Roles in Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman
In 2022, Harry Styles's film roles included Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman.
2022: Harry's House Album Release and Grammy Win
In 2022, Harry Styles's third album, Harry's House, broke several records and received the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Its lead single, "As It Was", became Billboard's and IFPI's number-one song of 2022 globally.
2022: Partnered with Everytown for Gun Safety
In 2022, following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Harry Styles partnered with Everytown for Gun Safety as part of his Love On Tour. Styles and Live Nation donated $1 million to the Everytown Support Fund.
2022: Gucci dress in V&A Museum exhibit and design of Gucci collection
In 2022, the Gucci dress Harry Styles wore on the Vogue cover was incorporated into a V&A Museum exhibit. In 2022, Styles also designed a Gucci capsule collection with Alessandro Michele.
July 2023: Invited Ukrainian refugees to his concert
In July 2023, Harry Styles invited three Ukrainian refugees supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to Love On Tour at his show in Warsaw's PGE Narodowy Stadium, continuing his partnership with the organization.
July 2023: Love On Tour Concludes
In July 2023, Harry Styles' Love On Tour concluded as the then-fifth-highest-grossing tour of all time, earning $617.3 million.
September 2023: Provided Background Vocals on Mitch Rowland's Track
In September 2023, Harry Styles provided background vocals on bandmate Mitch Rowland's track "Here Comes the Comeback".
2023: The Little Mermaid Release
Harry Styles did not feature in the film The Little Mermaid that was released in 2023.
2023: Won Pollstar Award for Brand Partnership with Everytown
In 2023, Harry Styles and Everytown won a Pollstar Award for Brand Partnership/Live Campaign of the Year for their collaboration that supports gun safety.
2023: Influence on concert dressing and Adidas shoe renaming
In 2023, Harry Styles, along with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, was credited with the rise in elaborate concert dressing. Adidas renamed their Gazelle shoes to "Satellite Stompers" in honor of Styles.
July 2024: Performance with Stevie Nicks at British Summer Time Festival
In July 2024, Harry Styles joined Stevie Nicks on stage at the British Summer Time festival in London. They performed "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" and "Landslide" in tribute of Christine McVie's birthday.
2024: Investment in S.S. Daley
In 2024, Harry Styles invested in a minority stake in British fashion label S.S. Daley.
December 2025: Shared "Forever, Forever" Video on YouTube
In late December 2025, Harry Styles shared a video to his YouTube channel entitled "Forever, Forever".
January 2026: Announcement of Fourth Studio Album and Concert Residencies
Throughout January 2026, Harry Styles teased and announced his fourth studio album, entitled Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, slated for release on 6 March 2026. He released the lead single, "Aperture", on 23 January and announced Together, Together, a series of concert residencies in seven cities on 22 January.
March 2026: Release of Fourth Studio Album
Harry Styles' fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, is slated for release on 6 March 2026.
2026: Curator of Meltdown Festival
In 2026, Harry Styles was announced as the curator of the 31st edition of Meltdown Festival, to be held at the Southbank Centre in London. Styles is headlining the festival and curating the programme of musical and cultural events as part of the Centre’s 75th anniversary year.
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