Harry Styles fought back tears during the final night of his historic 12-night Wembley Stadium residency on Saturday, paying an emotional tribute to One Direction as Liam Payne's parents watched from the audience. The 32-year-old Watermelon Sugar star has been performing to sold-out crowds in the capital, marking the most performances by any artist in a single year at the venue.
Emotional Tribute to One Direction
Styles, who rose to fame as a teenager on The X Factor as part of One Direction, addressed the crowd with visible emotion. The group achieved Beatles-like fame, selling more than 70 million records worldwide before announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2016. In a poignant moment, Styles acknowledged the presence of Liam Payne's family in the audience.
Liam Payne's parents Geoff and Karen, sister Ruth, and nephew were all at the iconic stadium representing Liam, who died last year at age 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. Composing himself, Styles said: 'I wouldn't be here tonight without four friends of mine. I want to thank Niall, Louis, Zayn, and my dear friend, Liam!'
Record-Breaking Residency
Styles' 12-night stint at Wembley Stadium broke records for the most performances by any artist in a single year at the venue. The sold-out shows have been a highlight of his tour, drawing fans from around the world.
During the concert, Styles' sister, Gemma, came on stage to deliver a congratulatory speech. 'I'm proud of who you are, and who you allow other people to be,' she said.
Nod to Ex Taylor Swift
In addition to the One Direction tribute, Styles appeared to give a nod to his ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift, who married Travis Kelce on Friday. Each night of his tour, Styles has performed a 'surprise song,' and on Saturday, he played 'Two Ghosts,' widely believed to be about Swift. The lyrics include: 'same lips red, same eyes blue,' and 'we're not who we used to be, we're just two ghosts standing in the place of you and me.'
Styles dated the Bad Blood billionaire for a few months in 2012. He is now engaged to Zoë Kravitz, 37, daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. Zoe, a friend of Swift's, was a guest at her wedding at New York's Madison Square Garden on Friday. Styles was reportedly invited but unable to attend due to his Wembley performances.
