The member of One Direction delivered three performances of his solo songs, in addition to a 1D sing-along session with fans on the show.
- May 30, 2017
AceShowbiz - One Direction apparently has its own folk music king, namely Niall Horan. The 23-year-old British heartthrob went on "Today" show on Monday, May 29 and successfully rocked the packed Rockefeller Plaza with lively yet electrifying performances of his solo music.
Sporting a white tee, denim jacket and brown fedora hat, Niall acknowledged the fans' effort to be on the venue despite the cold weather, before performing "Slow Hands". "Look at where we are, in the center of the universe," he said. "Where are all the people that have been here since like, last week? Thank you for being here, really appreciate it."
There was a poignant moment before Niall performed another song "This Town". After sending his prayers and well-wishes for the victims of Manchester terror attack a few days ago, Niall paid tribute to the victims and their families for the second time on the show. "Before I start, I'd like to dedicate it to the people who lost their lives in Manchester last week. It was a very sad thing. It's the least I could do, just dedicate a song," he said.
Niall then closed out his performance with his latest single "On the Loose". Although he debuted the song on Channel 933's Summer Kick Off concert a few weeks ago, Niall's performance on "Today" marked the song's live debut on TV. He created heartwarming vibes with the breezy song as the crowd moved their bodies to the catchy beat.
Fans who realized that the show was over began chanting, "1D song! 1D song! 1D song!" Niall then came up with an idea, saying, "I don't have anything prepared, but I can play some chords and we can have a bit sing-along." After delivering 1D session on the stage by playing the guitar riff of "Best Song Ever", he smiled and promised the crowd that he would be ready for another sing-along next time.
Overall, Niall's performances showed the undeniably strong connection between him and his fans. "I think they do feel like there's a relationship with him, and that's kinda cool," Alex Ficquette, "Today" plaza producer, told Billboard. "It's funny, it's almost like you get a vibe that [he's] even surprised of the turn out. That's why the fans care so much, because they feel that connection and it feels genuine. I think that makes a difference."
