Niall Horan has told how going through his recent "heartbreak" inspired his new album.
The former One Direction confirmed last December he's no longer dating 22-year-old US actress Hailee Steinfeld.
And the 26-year-old revealed the break-up helped while he was writing his latest songs.
He said: "Going through heartbreak helped write the ballads, even some of the happy songs - the sad songs that are dressed up as happy songs sometimes."
The Mullingar heartthrob has just dropped his latest single Nice To Meet Ya - which is on his upcoming untitled album.
The Slow Hands hitmaker, who went two years without releasing new music, also explained why touring was a factor in creating the album.
He told Billboard: "Also, touring. Experiencing touring and being on stage every night, getting that buzz off the crowd and being with fans who have paid their well-earned money to come and watch only you.
"You learn a lot about yourself, you learn about what people want to listen to."
His comments came as Niall and Selena Gomez were pictured together over the weekend on an evening out in Los Angeles.
He can bee seen with his arm around the 27-year-old singer, as the pair posed for a photo alongside some pals.
Gomez, who is estimated to be worth €45million, also promoted Niall's new track by posting an Instagram story to her 157million followers.
