Eight years after first appearing on The X Factor UK, One Direction member Louis Tomlinson will be heading back to the singing competition, but this time as a judge. The X Factor’s Twitter page confirmed the news, revealing that Tomlinson would be joining Ayda Williams, Robbie Williams and Simon Cowell on the judges’ panel.
“After much speculation, we are SO EXCITED to reveal our X Factor 2018 JUDGES!!!! Welcome to the panel @Louis_Tomlinson, @robbiewilliams, Ayda Williams and the one and only, Mr @SimonCowell! #XFactor,” the page tweeted.
After much speculation, we are SO EXCITED to reveal our X Factor 2018 JUDGES!!!! Welcome to the panel @Louis_Tomlinson, @robbiewilliams, Ayda Williams and the one and only, Mr @SimonCowell! ????? #XFactor pic.twitter.com/pS6fwBI6RY
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) July 17, 2018
Tomlinson’s next step in his career shows how life comes full circle, since he had auditioned for the show himself back in 2010. Although the singer didn’t pass the auditions as a soloist, Simon Cowell brought him back, along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik, in order to form the boy band, One Direction.
Two years since the band began their indefinite hiatus, Louis Tomlinson has released singles of his own, titled “Just Hold On,” “Miss You,” “Just Like You” and “Back to You.” Fans of Tomlinson have been eagerly waiting for the artist to release a debut album, especially since Styles and Horan have already released albums of their own.
When news of Tomlinson’s involvement on The X Factor spread online, many of his fans had mixed feelings, believing that the show might stall the release of the singer’s debut project.
Sensing his fans’ concerns, Tomlinson took to Twitter to reassure fans that they had nothing to worry about because he would continue working on the album as scheduled.
“I just want everyone to not worry too much about the album. As I said today in the press conference, the album is still my priority,” the singer explained in a video.
“It doesn’t change anything…release date or anything like that…me doing the show.”
— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) July 17, 2018
The singer added that he has always been interested in mentoring, and with the release of his album coming soon, his position as a judge could actually help promote his new music.