Niall Horan has spoken about a lovely tradition he has kept up for nearly 15 years since being launched to stardom on the X-Factor.
It’s hard to believe that One Direction was formed all those years ago and the Irish singer-songwriter continues to enjoy incredible success across the globe as a solo artist.
However, did you know that the 29-year-old almost didn’t apply for the live singing competition and has someone at home in Mullingar to thank for giving him the encouragement he needed.
Niall exclusively told The Mirror that he wasn’t entirely keen on the idea of applying for the X Factor, but his French teacher pushed him to show the world his potential.
After discovering his musical talents in school, Niall’s teacher decided take the reins and filled out the application for the ITV talent show.
Who would have thought in doing that, he would help create one of the most famous men on the planet alongside his four bandmates.
“I was actually going to apply to the show – it was my French teacher who did it for me. He filled out the forms and sent them off and encouraged me to go to the audition,” he told The Mirror.
“If it wasn’t for that, and for all the encouragement from my school, I genuinely wouldn’t be here now standing in Wembley Stadium about to perform in front of 80,000 people,” Niall gushed.
Despite having an insanely hectic schedule, Niall revealed that he hasn’t forgotten what his teacher’s kind gesture did for his career and he continues to meet up with him every time he goes home to Mullingar.
“I still see him. Every time I go home we go for a few pints – on me of course – and we catch up.
“I mean it’s been almost fifteen years now and a lot has happened in between those years so it’s nice to go home back to where it all started and ground myself.”
