#harrysolocareer

Whoa, I’ve seen so much negative stuff about Harry signing a solo record deal that it’s doing my head in. Yes, I know this is likely to have an effect on One Direction’s future, and I would hate to see them split up, but please, can’t we just be happy for the guy? 

This is a huge achievement, especially if it is the $80m deal several sources are claiming it is. Harry deserves to be congratulated - what an amazing opportunity for a 22-year-old - and he’d have been an idiot to turn the offer down.

And as for everyone saying his solo career is going to be a flop because he’s nothing without One Direction, I’d beg to differ. I think he’s going to be a huge solo star, and here’s why:

1. He’s talented. He’s got a great voice that has matured beautifully over the years. We’ve got to experience even more of his vocal talents since Zayn left and he started singing lots of those high notes that would have been reserved for Zayn - and he’s bloody good.

2. He’s a gifted songwriter. Perfect, Night Changes,Where Do Broken Hearts Go, Stockholm Syndrome, Something Great, Right Now, Walking in the Wind and the incredible If I Could Fly... there’s no denying his ability. Plus some of the top writers in the music industry have talked about how good he is to work with i.e. Ryan Tedder and Johnny McDaid. He won’t have any trouble coming up with great material.

3. He’s charismatic. The guy was at the front of the line when they were handing out charm and he knows how to use it. Stars have to have more than a good voice and good material - they literally have to have ‘the x factor”. Harry has it in spades.

4. He works hard. He has a strong work ethic and is prepared to do what it takes to succeed. He’s been learning to play the guitar, and scheduling writing sessions with top writers around his commitments with 1D. He must have done a lot of preparation to get his acting role in Dunkirk - he somehow fitted that into a busy schedule.

5. He’s got a lot of support. People like Harry, including those in high places, because he’s a nice guy. Look at the high-profile friends he has within the music industry - stars like Elton John don’t just offer to mentor anyone. They will help him to make it big because they think he deserves it.

6. He can handle fame. Harry is the most grounded and down-to-earth celebrity around. How he handles being in the spotlight is incredible. I don’t really want to compare him with Zayn, but I will just make the point that he will be able to cope with getting even more attention (if that is possible) that comes with being a solo performer. He’ll ace solo performances and promotional appearances. 

7. He was born to do this. His fellow bandmates have said this from the beginning. Harry was always meant to be a star. I mean, just look at the guy. He has the confidence to carry off the rockstar look. And if you’ve ever seen him performing live (I’ve been lucky enough to see 1D three times) you will know that he is in his element on stage singing his little heart out. Just like he has with 1D, he is going to give being a solo performer his all because he loves it so much. It’s what he’s fated to do.