When One Direction began their (well-earned and well past deserved) hiatus at the end of 2015, fans were worried that they’d see a lot less of Louis, Harry, Liam, and Niall. It was a strange idea that there wouldn’t be a world tour, new album, or singles released through the year; it was even more strange to think that we’d be missing a lot of important moments in their lives.
While it may be true that fans ‘missed’ some moments in their lives, the hiatus couldn’t have come at a better time for Louis Tomlinson to make sure he didn’t miss some very important moments in his own life with his mom Johannah. In early 2016, Johannah was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia that required constant treatment and Louis didn’t have to be away on a world tour or in and out of recording studios. Instead, he could by at her side when she needed him, and try to make sense of what was happening when he was away.
On December 9th, news broke to the public that the light of the world got a little more dim with the loss of Johannah on December 7th.
She stayed strong for her seven beautiful children and Louis stayed strong for his fans and the people who look up to him all over the world. On the day that Jay passed, he made a fan video, showing that even in his darkest moment – he puts everyone in the world in front of him, he puts their hearts first.
It was also confirmed that Louis would be debuting a song on The X Factor with Steve Aoki. Steve canceled shows to fly to London to bring this song to life for Louis in honor of his mother, who had the best view from heaven as she watched her perfect boy sing his heart out on the same stage that made his dreams come true.
‘Just Hold On’, even in its sadness, has a hopeful sound. The song is something multidimensional; it’s emotional and heavy but it’s freeing at the same time. It’s the perfect song for what Louis must be experiencing, for what his entire family must be going through. The loss of Jay is so heavy, but the love she left them with has given them strength and hope and comfort.
The night didn’t just bring fans the first live listen of ‘Just Hold On’, it gave them a glimpse into the beautiful relationship that still exists between the boys of One Direction and gave proof that it always will be there.
That’s right, Harry, Liam, and Niall, dropped everything to get to London to support Louis. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, or anywhere for that matter.
Louis was full of grace that we can’t describe as he took that stage and sang for his mother, he was full of love and the compassion she showered him with since he was a child. He won’t ever be without her; that much was evident. Steve did a beautiful job helping Louis through the tough moments on stage and stood to his side with his head bowed as Louis was applauded for his strength. The performance was colorful and bright, just like Jay, and Louis blew her a kiss after his performance ended in his own show of love and gratitude.
We’re proud of Louis now more than ever before, and with tears in our eyes and love in our hearts, we’re sending him every ounce of support that we’ve got. For Steve, we’re sending him that support too; he’s a great friend for making this possible.
Tweet us your reactions to the song at @CelebMix, we’ll talk with you about it.