On the morning of Friday, June 12, Niall Horan returned to the TODAY Show for his sixth Citi Concert Series performance. Playing hits both old and new, the Irish singer-songwriter celebrated the release of his new album, Dinner Party, with a huge crowd in New York City.

Rising to fame as a member of UK boy band One Direction, Horan’s career started in 2010 after placing third with the group on The X Factor. After touring worldwide for six years, the group went on a hiatus in 2016 after the release of their fifth album, Made in the A.M. Horan signed a record deal with Capitol Records the same year and has been a solo artist ever since. Known for folk-pop singles “This Town” and “Slow Hands,” the former boybander has released four albums, with his newest, Dinner Party, having been released on June 5.

The TODAY Plaza was filled with eager Niall fans in the early hours of Friday. Set-starter “Dinner Party” had the whole crowd swaying with their hands raised as rain began to fall over the packed plaza. Deciding to dance rather than dip, the crowd used this untimely weather as an opportunity to sing freely with their favorite singer. Although the album had only been out for a week, fans already knew each and every word of the album’s title track song. Later, Horan explained that he met his girlfriend at a dinner party, which “allowed [him] to write that song” and explore different angles of their relationship in a studio setting.

Citing ‘70s superstars The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jackson Browne, and The Doobie Brothers as sources of inspiration, the Irish singer explained that when he picks up a guitar, that’s the sound that naturally comes out of his music.

“Tastes So Good” brings a more upbeat, soft pop-rock sound that is reminiscent of Horan’s One Direction days. Sonically similar to “Steal My Girl,” the song feels like a blast to the past. The crowd full of Directioners could feel the youthful energy, too. With smiles on their faces, both Horan and his fanbase brought the timeless joy of 1D back to the Plaza.

Horan’s third song was the 2017 hit “Slow Hands.” Abandoning his acoustic guitar for the first time that morning, the singer took to the catwalk as the rain finally began to dissipate. Treading carefully, Horan brought his corded microphone and charisma to the small circular stage to perform the hit up-close with his fans. The singer even grabbed a few lucky fans’ hands throughout the performance.

Ending his set during the 3rd Hour of TODAY with “Monochromatic,” Horan strummed the guitar while swaying back and forth. When taking a break from singing the catchy tune, he stepped away from the microphone to dance around the main stage. The energy was electric, with fans mirroring the artist’s movements from the front to the back of the Plaza.

Niall Horan’s Dinner Party Tour begins in late September throughout Europe. The North American leg begins in March 2027, with a New York City date scheduled for April 4 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Tickets are available now on Horan’s official website.