Introduction to Niall Horan

Book excerpt: Niall Horan is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who gained fame as a member of the boy band One Direction. Born on September 13, 1993, in Mullingar, Ireland, Horan started learning the guitar at a young age. In 2010, he auditioned for the seventh series of The X Factor UK as a solo performer but was eliminated early on. However, along with Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, he was put together to form One Direction, which finished third in the competition. The group became an international sensation and released five albums together before taking a hiatus in 2016. After One Direction, Horan launched a successful solo career that saw him release his debut album, Flicker, in 2017. He has since released two more albums, Heartbreak Weather (2020) and his latest, titled Better, which was released on September 17, 2021. Horan's style is a mix of pop, folk, and rock, and he cites Ed Sheeran, Fleetwood Mac, and Bob Dylan as his primary influences. His solo music explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-growth. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Julia Michaels, Ashe, and Anne-Marie, among others. Horan also has a passion for golf and has participated in various celebrity tournaments. He is active on social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, and is known for his philanthropic work supporting numerous charities and causes.