Niall Horan Admits Shocking One Direction Song He Never Liked Performing, Sending Fans into Frenzy

Niall Horan has sparked a wave of reactions from Directioners after candidly confessing during a recent interview that there’s one song from the band’s early days he doesn’t look back on fondly—particularly when it comes to performing it live.

In a fun and revealing segment on Capital FM, the 32-year-old Irish singer was asked if there was ever a track from his One Direction era that he “absolutely hated performing.” After a chuckle and a moment to think, Horan opened up honestly.

“I mean there’s a couple off the first album,” he admitted, before naming the fan-favorite “I Want” from the group’s 2011 debut album Up All Night. “It wasn’t a favourite,” he said with a laugh. “To be honest with you, I wouldn’t say I hated performing it.

It is more in hindsight that I hated it. At the time I didn’t mind it, I loved it, but I think with all the music that we had on the back end, the last two or three albums were, in my eyes, very very good. And I loved all the songs.”

The Slow Hands hitmaker went on to explain that his perspective has shifted over time, appreciating the growth and maturity in One Direction’s later work compared to the bubblegum pop of their debut era.

Despite the mild shade toward “I Want,” Horan was quick to clarify it wasn’t outright loathing during the band’s active years—he genuinely enjoyed it back then—but reflecting now, it doesn’t hold the same appeal.

The confession quickly lit up social media, with fans flooding comment sections in disbelief and amusement.

One viral reaction read, “I want…I want…I want?!!! That’s crazy!” Others shared nostalgic clips of the band performing the upbeat track on tour, reminiscing about its high-energy choreography and infectious chorus.

The song, co-written by Tom Fletcher of McFly and known for its cheeky lyrics about wanting someone’s attention, remains a staple of 1D’s early catalog and a beloved throwback for many.

Horan’s interview comes amid his continued solo success and reflections on his boy band past. Since One Direction’s hiatus in 2015, the singer has released multiple albums, including his latest projects, and has been open about the evolution of his music taste and career.

This lighthearted admission adds to the ongoing conversations fans love—honest insights into the realities behind the glamour of one of the biggest pop groups in history.

While “I Want” may not be Horan’s personal highlight in retrospect, its place in One Direction’s legacy is secure, reminding fans of the fun, youthful energy that launched the band to global stardom.

Directioners, ever passionate, are already debating their own favorite (and least favorite) tracks from the era, proving the band’s music still sparks lively discussions years later.