Niall Horan Round 2

Niall Horan's "On My Own" plays as I sit here typing this, still thinking about the live performance I saw by him last night. On August 17, 2018 Niall Horan played to a crowd of 9,000 screaming fans in Chula Vista, California. I don't think I have ever witnessed someone have as much fun on stage as that lovely lad from Ireland. Not only did he sing, but he joked, laughed, danced, played the guitar and piano, and smiled from ear to ear the entire time. Everyone in the amphitheater—including the people on the stage—were having the time of their lives that night. It was refreshing to see and hear all the love that was passed onto him as he performed. Niall Horan has still got it and I don't think it will be going away any time soon.

In case you do not know who Niall Horan is, let me tell you. Remember that band One Direction? One of the world's biggest boybands that decided to "take a break" back in 2015? Well, Niall was a part of that band. He was the goofy, blonde, Irish one. Now he is the handsome, brown haired, Irish solo one. Like Harry, Liam, and Louis, Niall has been working on his own solo music and has released a full album. I like to describe Niall's album, Flicker, as two equal parts. One part emotional heartbreak and the other part relationship happiness. His songs like "Too Much to Ask," "Flicker," "Paper Houses," and "This Town" pull at and rip apart the hearts of his listeners while songs like "Since We're Alone," "You and Me," "Seeing Blind," and "Slow Hands" balance out the sadness and depict what a happy relationship can be like. He sang all of his songs and a few others that night and it was incredible.

I was supposed to attend the show with my friend Nicole, but she went out of town so she gave her ticket to her friend Cayla. Cayla was not a huge fan of Niall—she was more excited to see Maren Morris who was the opener—so I was excited to introduce her to one of my favorite artists. When Niall came on stage his goofiness and excitement immediately poured out over the audience. After his first two songs, he gushed about how much he loved performing in San Diego and at that venue specifically. He said, "About 14 months ago was the first time I played live with these lovely gentlemen and it was here on this stage. We've been talking about this for the past few days and I'm sure we'll be talking about it for a while after. We're excited to be back. San Diego has never let me down, so I hope you're ready for a good night." I was in the audience during that first new band performance. He only had two original songs and only performed four songs in total that night. Last night, he played all 13 songs off his album, a new one he wrote for a movie, an unreleased song, a Bruce cover, and sang two One Direction covers—"Fool's Gold" and "Drag Me Down." Seeing the evolution occur at the same location was incredible.

I always thought that Niall wasn't appreciated enough when he was in One Direction so it is amazing to see all that he has been able to accomplish on his own. His talent and confidence is apparent on stage and he also creates a welcoming space for all those who come to a show. As I watched one of my favorite people do what they love on stage in front of thousands of people I couldn't have been more proud. There was one moment where I was so immersed in the show, Cayla caught me watching Niall do his thing with my hands in front of my face in a prayer like position with a huge smile on my face. No phone in hand, no terrible singing along—just someone completely focused on the performance. I was so amazed and I wish I had a photo to show you. I also couldn't help but smile at the three girls sitting next to me who faithfully sang every song that he did. And I mean every song including the Bruce cover and the unreleased one. I was very impressed.

I would recommend catching a Niall show if you ever get the chance. The guy rocks out on stage and had so much fun—it is really amazing to watch. This was my second time seeing him perform solo and he only gets better with each performance. And although I love what he and the rest of the boys are doing alone, I'm still waiting for the band to get back together. I will always want that One Direction reunion. But for the time being, I guess we'll just enjoy them doing what they want solo.