Before he hit it big with One Direction, Niall Horan was just another competitor on the UK version of the ‘X Factor’ back in 2010. This video is a glimpse into what it was like preparing for one of the biggest reality competitions in the UK.

Shown strumming a guitar and singing along to Justin Bieber’s megahit ‘Baby,’ Niall Horan is prepping for what would soon turn into worldwide fame and fortune. Practicing with him is future bandmate Liam Payne; just the next day the two would officially be placed in One Direction with three other British bandmates Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles.

Horan, a native of Mullingar in Ireland, auditioned for the UK ‘X Factor’ in 2010 as a solo artist when the tour made a stop in Dublin. Though he didn’t cut it as a solo singer, producer Simon Cowell knew Horan had that special spark. He was grouped up with the other four members of what became One Direction later in the competition.

As a group, One Direction came in third on the 2010 season of the UK ‘X Factor.’ They were signed to Simon Cowell’s label Syco, and in 2012, found worldwide fame with their debut album ‘Up All Night’ and smash hit ‘What Makes You Beautiful.’

This month, the lads in One Direction are said to be part of a massive closing ceremonies at the London Olympics that will feature other great British acts including Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and perhaps Adele.

Here, check out the candid video of Niall Horan and Liam Payne practicing: