Harry Styles recreates X Factor audition with Stevie Wonder at Harryween
Harry Styles Dressed as a Teenager to Recreate a Legendary Audition at Madison Square Garden
The glamour and nostalgia collided in New York City last night as singer Harry Styles brought a dose of whimsical history to the stage. Performing one of Stevie Wonder’s timeless classics, Styles stepped back into his past, recreating the moment that launched his musical career while dressed as his 16-year-old self from his X Factor audition.
The performance was a highlight of the first of two Harryween concerts held at Madison Square Garden, marking the penultimate date of Styles’ mammoth 30-night residency. While the theme for the show was steeped in Halloween fun, the centerpiece was a journey through Styles’ incredible musical history.
The spectacle began with a shift in costume. Initially, Styles appeared in the iconic white jumpsuit of Elvis Presley, complete with a cape and gold sunglasses, flanked by a troupe of backing performers dressed as various stars from his own career, including looks inspired by Coachella and the Met Gala.
But the real magic unfolded when he transformed into the look he sported during his 2010 audition. Performing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” he channeled the young teenager from Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, who had made his debut on the competition stage.
This moment brought back vivid memories of the audition itself. When Styles performed the piece, he also jokingly recalled a memorable line from the audition, telling the audience, “I work in a bakery.” This small detail highlights the genuine, relatable spirit that permeates his artistry.
The journey of Styles’ talent is a testament to the unexpected turns in music. While the audience witnessed the iconic rendition of the Wonder hit, extended footage from the original X Factor performance revealed that Styles had first attempted Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister” before moving on to the iconic song. This early effort set the stage for the massive success that followed.
The residency itself is part of Styles’ ongoing Together, Together world tour, offering a powerful celebration of community and connection. As the New York run concludes, Styles continues to look toward the future, having announced further dates for 2027 that feature collaborations with artists like Kylie Minogue and LCD Soundsystem.
It is a performance that blended high-profile celebrity, beloved musical history, and a touch of personal, playful reflection, cementing the event as a true celebration of music and memory.
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