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Louis Tomlinson on playing The O2 Arena and supporting upcoming artists

Tomlinson also said he'd 'definitely' be up for a collaboration with Rachel Chinouriri.

By Nick Reilly

Louis Tomlinson at the Rolling Stone UK Awards
Louis Tomlinson at the Rolling Stone UK Awards, in collaboration with Rémy Martin (Image: Kit Oates/Rolling Stone UK)

Louis Tomlinson has discussed the milestone of playing The O2 Arena as a solo star, as well as his continued championing of upcoming artists.

The former One Direction star was speaking at last week’s Rolling Stone UK Awards in collaboration with Rémy Martin when he discussed what it was like to play to 20,000 fans only a week previously.

“I remember when we had the conversation about putting the O2 up, and to be honest, I was fucking terrified, it’s a bold statement,” he admitted.

“So, to walk out that night which was four or five days ago now, and to see that room and see the reception from that room, it’s given me a hell of a lot of confidence. I feel really, really good. I’m lucky enough to have had a really great year. So, all credit to my fans really.”

Tomlinson also spoke of his support for new artists such as Rachel Chinouriri – having previously enlisted her to support him at a solo show earlier this year.

“I’d love to [collaborate with Rachel],” he said. “I saw Rachel’s name on a lot of festival bills, but the reason I got onto Rachel is because she does a song with The Snuts who also did some touring with me. And I love her record, so definitely.”

Louis also performed at Thursday night’s ceremony, as well as forming a friendship with fellow Doncaster star Yungblud.

“Donny boys! I don’t think we’ve actually ever met properly so tonight, right here on your carpet, we said hello for the first time!,” said Yungblud.

“Could this be the making of a beautiful friendship?” we asked, to which Yungblud replied: “I think it could be. We’ll go see the football together,” proposing future visits to watch Doncaster Rovers.

You can look back here for all our coverage of the Rolling Stone UK Awards.