A mini One Direction reunion happened and it’s all for a good cause, thanks to mentor Simon Cowell.
Simon Cowell brought the former bandmates together once again to record an all-star cover of the Simon & Garfunkel classic ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’.
The initiative is part of fundraising efforts to help those affected by the Grenfell fire tragedy. Money raised from sales will be donated to the The London Community Foundation.
The track features more than 50 other artistes including Jessie J, Rita Ora, Leona Lewis, Robbie Williams and Bastille.
Tomlinson shared on his Instagram how he was glad to be a part of the song, while Payne urged fans to donate to the cause.
Plans for the record were first announced on June 15, which led fans to speculate that a One Direction reunion would take place earlier than expected.
The single marks the first time any of the One Direction members have appeared on a song together since the band went on hiatus in 2015.
While it was rumoured that both Harry Styles and Niall Horan were “desperately trying to clear their schedules” in order to take part in the song, their participation ultimately never materialized.
However, a reunion is still on the cards for the boys.
Payne confirmed to OK! Magazine that the band “will get back together at a certain point”. Horan echoed the same sentiments in an interview with Billboard earlier this week, saying how he would not “rule [out]” collaborating with his former bandmates on future records.
In the meantime, fans will at least have the charity single to tide them over.
‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ is available on iTunes and Spotify.