When Harry Styles first graced the cover of Rolling Stone back in 2017, he was still basically shaking off the glitter of One Direction. He looked young. He looked like a guy trying to prove he could handle a guitar and a rock-and-roll legacy. But by the time the Harry Styles Rolling Stone magazine global feature dropped in 2022, something had shifted entirely. He wasn't just a singer anymore; he was the "King of Pop," a title that, frankly, caused a massive amount of drama online with the Michael Jackson estate.
It was the first time the magazine ever did a simultaneous global cover across all 14 international editions. That’s huge.
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Think about the sheer scale of that for a second. From the UK to Korea to Australia, Harry’s face was everywhere all at once, wearing those chunky rings and gender-fluid outfits that have become his literal trademark. People obsessed over it. They dissected every single quote about his "private" relationship with Olivia Wilde and his approach to sexuality. But if you look past the shiny photography by Amanda Charchian, there’s a much deeper story about how a modern celebrity manages their own narrative while the world is trying to scream over them.
The "King of Pop" Controversy and the Jackson Legacy
You can't talk about the Harry Styles Rolling Stone magazine 2022 issue without mentioning the headline that set the internet on fire. Rolling Stone UK labeled him the "new King of Pop."
Almost immediately, Taj Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, jumped on X (which was Twitter back then) to call it out. He wasn't being mean, but he was firm. He basically said that his uncle earned that title through decades of hard work and that it shouldn't be handed out so easily. It sparked this massive debate about whether we’re too quick to crown new icons. Harry himself didn't really say much about it—he rarely does—but the magazine certainly knew what they were doing. It was a play for engagement, and boy, did it work.
The 2022 feature wasn't just a puff piece. It touched on some actually heavy stuff. Harry talked about his "journey" with therapy. He’s been really open about how he used to think therapy meant you were "broken," but eventually realized that he just wanted to understand why he did the things he did. It’s kinda refreshing to hear a guy that famous talk about mental health without it sounding like a scripted PR move. He sounds like a person who is genuinely trying to stay sane while being one of the most photographed humans on earth.
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Why the 2017 and 2019 Covers Hit Differently
Before the global 2022 takeover, there were the 2017 and 2019 issues. If you’re a real fan, you probably have these stashed in a drawer somewhere.
The 2017 cover was the "Coming Out" party for his solo career. Cameron Crowe—the guy who wrote Almost Famous—wrote the profile. It was legendary. Harry talked about his ex-girlfriends (vaguely) and his respect for his young female fanbase. He famously defended teenage girls, saying they don't lie about what they like and that they are the "true" tastemakers. It was a bold move. Most male rock stars try to distance themselves from "boy band" fans. Harry leaned in.
Then came 2019. This was the Fine Line era.
He was topless on the cover, looking very 70s rockstar. This was the "Sex, Psychedelics, and the Secrets of Adulthood" issue. He admitted to doing magic mushrooms at Shangri-La studios in Malibu and accidentally biting off the tip of his tongue while high. It’s those kinds of details that make a Rolling Stone profile worth reading. It wasn't just a list of tour dates. It was a snapshot of a guy experimentng with his identity and his sound.
The Politics of Privacy and the Olivia Wilde Era
The 2022 Harry Styles Rolling Stone magazine interview happened right in the middle of the Don't Worry Darling chaos. You remember the "spitgate" rumors and the endless TikToks about him and Olivia Wilde?
In the interview, Harry was clearly defensive of his private life. He talked about the "toxic" corners of the internet. He mentioned how it feels to bring someone you like into the "lions' den" of his fandom. Honestly, it was a bit sad. He described the pressure of having to tell a partner, "Hey, just so you know, people are going to say horrible things about you now."
He also addressed the "queerbaiting" accusations for the thousandth time. He’s always been consistent on this: he doesn't feel the need to label himself to satisfy the public’s curiosity. He views his sexuality as his own business, even if he chooses to wear dresses or wave pride flags on stage. Some people find that empowering; others find it frustratingly vague. But that’s the Harry Styles brand—he’s the guy who is everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Breaking Down the Visual Aesthetic
The photography in these magazines is just as important as the words. Maybe more so.
- 2017: Raw, wet hair, very "classic rock" vibes.
- 2019: The "Blue & Pink" aesthetic, very dreamy and adventurous.
- 2022: High fashion, gender-neutral, incredibly polished and "global."
By 2022, the Harry Styles Rolling Stone magazine shoot featured him in things like a sequined jumpsuit and a fuzzy pink coat. It solidified his status as a fashion icon. He wasn't just following trends; he was setting the standard for what a male pop star could look like in the 2020s. He’s moved so far away from the skinny jeans and boots of the One Direction days that it’s almost hard to remember that guy exists.
The Business of Being Harry
Let’s be real: these magazine covers are business moves. Rolling Stone doesn't put Harry on the cover three times in five years just because they like his music. He sells copies. He drives clicks.
When the 2022 issue launched, it was tied to the Love On Tour cycle, which ended up being one of the highest-grossing tours of all time. The magazine helped frame him as a "legacy" artist—someone who isn't just a flash in the pan. By putting him on 14 covers simultaneously, they were signaling to the industry that Harry Styles is the biggest thing we have right now.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think these interviews are totally candid. They aren't. Harry is notoriously guarded. If you read the 2022 piece closely, he never actually says Olivia Wilde's name. He refers to "a relationship" or "the person I'm with." He’s a master of giving the journalist just enough to make a headline without actually giving away his soul.
It’s a skill. Most celebrities overshare and then regret it. Harry shares almost nothing and makes people feel like they’ve seen everything.
What You Should Actually Take Away
If you’re looking to collect or understand the impact of the Harry Styles Rolling Stone magazine legacy, here’s the bottom line:
- The 2017 issue is the collector's item. It’s the origin story. If you can find a physical copy in good condition, hold onto it.
- The 2022 issue is the cultural peak. It represents the moment Harry became undeniable on a global scale, despite the "King of Pop" controversy.
- Read between the lines. Harry’s quotes about therapy and privacy are the most "real" parts of these stories. Ignore the fashion for a second and look at how he talks about protecting his peace.
To really see the evolution, you have to look at the photos side-by-side. You see a boy turning into a man who is very much in control of his own image. He’s no longer the kid from a boy band following a script. He’s the guy writing the script, picking the outfits, and deciding exactly how much of himself he wants to sell to the world.
If you're trying to track down these specific back issues, your best bet is hitting up eBay or specialized magazine collectors like MyFavoriteMagazines. Prices for the 2017 Cameron Crowe issue have spiked recently because it's considered the "definitive" solo Harry interview. For the 2022 global edition, try to find one of the international versions—the Korean and Japanese covers are particularly sought after for their unique layouts. Check local independent bookstores too; they often have stacks of backdated music mags that the big chains tossed out months ago.