‘Loyal’ Harry Styles Sticking Near Simon Cowell, Liam Payne’s Gaunt Face Worries Fans

A new report by the Sun claims Harry Styles stuck with Columbia because Styles is “loyal” to the people who took One Direction to the top. Meanwhile, Liam Payne has some people worried with the gaunt look he has in a recently-posted social media selfie.

The Sun writes that Harry Styles was tempted by the offer from Universal Records, who would have distributed his solo music in the U.S. and UK via Capitol, but that Harry ultimately stuck with Sony Music’s Columbia, the company that shot Harry Styles and the rest of the One Direction guys to stardom.

“Harry has received so much interest and has mulled over several offers… He was tempted by Universal but he’s a loyal guy and believes Columbia is the best place for him.”

Sony Music took Harry, Louis, Liam, Niall, and Zayn to stardom in conjunction with Simon Cowell’s Syco label.

Styles’ rejection of the Universal offer has been interpreted by some as a sign that he wishes to keep ties with One Direction and his former mentor. If Harry had wanted to make a clean break, he probably would have taken the “tempting” offer from Universal rather than stay under the Sony umbrella.

Niall Horan is rumored to be sticking with Syco and Modest as he launches a solo career, according to Unreality TV. A source reported that Niall is going to sign a deal with Syco shortly and that insiders regard the charming Irishman as One Direction’s “secret weapon.”

“Niall is the band’s secret weapon – Modest and Syco believe he has what it takes to become a break out solo star. He has the songwriting and music talent, good looks and cheeky Irish personality, which made him a favourite in the States. A deal with Syco is going to be signed in the coming weeks and Niall is already back in the studio writing. There’s a hit single there too, which will probably be released next year.”

Louis Tomlinson is also sticking close to Cowell, appearing alongside his friend and mentor on judging panels and collaborating with Simon to put together a girl band under Louis’ new label with Syco, reports Billboard.

“I’ve got a little label imprint so I’m trying to work with that at the moment…. I’m lucky enough to be working with Simon. We’ve got a few different projects going on at the moment one of which is we’re trying to put a girl band together. It’s really exciting to be involved in the different side of it, the background.”

Sony reportedly spared no expense to keep Harry Styles on their books. Channel 24 reported that Sony was “breaking the bank” for Harry as the bidding war with Universal raged.

“Harry is being offered so many incentives to stay. They’re breaking the bank for him.”

Universal boss Lucian Grainge reportedly once tried to lure all the One Direction guys away from Sony.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Liam Payne may be under stress and losing weight as he attempts to assist girlfriend Cheryl Fernandez-Versini with the details of her fraught divorce.

Friends and fans have expressed concern about Liam recently. First, outlets reported that Liam’s pals were worried because he almost never writes or makes music anymore. Apparently, the heartthrob now spends almost all his time cooking for Cheryl and helping with her divorce.

The Daily IQ reported that “Liam is all about Cheryl and not his music,” and friends are worried he’ll miss the chance to further his career.

“He’s got eight guitars and has barely picked one up since he’s been with Cheryl. He’s not writing music and hasn’t been in touch with Jamie Scott, his songwriter mate. He’s not out partying and enjoying himself – he’s at home cooking for Cheryl and helping with her acrimonious divorce details.”

Now the Sun is reporting that Liam’s gaunt appearance is worrying some people. Selfies posted by the handsome star on social media recently show his cheekbones looking considerably more prominent, and his face slimmer.

One fan wrote the One Direction star a heartfelt message, urging Liam to consider his health and take care of himself.

“Take care of yourself, don’t get too skinny. Your health is important. YOU’RE important @Real_Liam_Payne.”

[Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images]