Could Chris Stapleton one day have a hit with a former boy band member? Harry Styles hopes so. The One Direction ringleader-turned-soulful-singer-songwriter tells radio host Elvis Duran that out of all his fellow performers on the docket for the upcoming iHeartRadio Music Festival, Stapleton would be his first choice as a collaborator.

"I would say, I’m a massive fan of Chris Stapleton. Big fan. So I think I’d have to say him," when asked who he’d most love to team up with. "Yeah, I love him and his voice, his…everything."

Styles has been surprising fans regularly since he went solo, not only with his style of music, but even setting his sights on acting. So it’s no wonder one of the people in the studio suggested he move right on into country music, noting that his mellow sound could play into it well.

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“I think it takes more than being chill,” Styles deflected jokingly.

Though he didn’t seem ready to “go country” just yet, here’s hoping Stapleton gets the memo and they get in the studio together soon.

Stapleton will be performing at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, and Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini will also be there to round out the country music representation. The “Second One to Know” singer recently recovered from a finger injury, but will be continuing his All American Road Show Tour with rescheduled dates. His latest record From a Room: Volume 1 is now available.

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