The singer said the group’s 2011 ‘corny’ debut single was ‘always, always, always’ his least favourite to perform
Louis Tomlinson has revealed that he did not enjoy performing one of One Direction’s most recognisable songs, describing “What Makes You Beautiful” as his least favourite track to sing live.
Speaking during an interview with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2 on March 18, the singer said the group’s 2011 debut single was “always, always, always” his least favourite to perform. The track played a key role in launching One Direction to international success.
“Two reasons on that: It’s definitely our most pop and most bubble gum pop moment,” Tomlinson explained. “But also performing that always felt so eggy.”
He added that performing the song alongside bandmates Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles and the late Liam Payne felt uncomfortable at times, particularly in the early years of the group’s rise. “At the time, I was 18 and it wasn’t the coolest thing to be in a boy band,” he said. “And then we got really big, so then it was cool. But for the first couple of years it wasn’t really like that.”
Referring to the song’s lyrics, he said, “So, you know, singing, ‘Baby, you light up my world like nobody else,’ honestly, it wouldn’t be out of place in a Disney film. So, it felt a little corny.”
Despite his reservations, Tomlinson acknowledged the importance of the track in shaping his career. “I’m not undermining the journey, ‘cause obviously it worked out great,” he said. “It was a great song, and I probably have my whole career to thank for it.”
He also described “Up All Night” as “a bad song”, while naming “Story of My Life” as his favourite, calling it “a real moment” that marked a shift in the band’s musical direction.
