Harry Styles jokingly poked fun at his fans' body odour as he opened the second night of his 30-date residency at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The 32-year-old singer urged the audience to raise their hands during a breathing exercise before quipping: "Smell those New York City armpits!"
![Harry Styles jokingly took a swipe at the body odour of his audience as he kicked off night two of his 30-date Madison Square Garden residency in New York [pictured on night one]](https://i.dailymail.com/1s/2026/08/29/16/110927667-16089555-image-a-47_1788017806636.jpg)
A clip of the lighthearted moment went viral after being shared to TikTok on Friday. In the video, the musician instructed concertgoers to take a deep inhale before delivering the line, prompting laughter across the arena.
Dressed in a mustard sweater, black blazer and yellow trousers, the Watermelon Sugar hitmaker paused his set to share an uplifting message with the crowd. Speaking into his microphone, he told the venue: "Already, we're gonna dance today and tonight we're gonna sing together, we're gonna share this moment together."
Fan reactions on social media
The TikTok clip was posted with the caption "No way Harry said this", quickly attracting a flood of comments from fans online. Responses were split between amused supporters and those taken aback by the joke.
Several fans recalled previous instances of the singer addressing venue smells during live shows. One user commented: "When he did Love On Tour in LA he thought the pit was so stinky that he gave out free deodorant from Dove. LOL." Another pointed out: "He did this in Amsterdam too, it's actually so funny lmao."
Other onlookers commented on the crowd's immediate reaction in the venue, with one person writing: "The way the arms went down in the back." Another fan added: "The way I'm bringing extra deodorant with me because I'm gonna be DANCING."
Some social media users expressed confusion or mild criticism regarding the banter, asking "What's his problem" while another described it as a "Nice way to insult your fans."
Tribute to Dolly Parton
The humorous moment came after Styles surprised fans with a touching tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton during the opening night of his residency on Wednesday.
It was announced on Tuesday that the 9 To 5 singer had died aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Parton, widely regarded as one of the most influential songwriters in American music history, earned international acclaim across a career spanning more than six decades.
Taking to the stage on night one, Styles paid his respects to the late country star. "I just want to say thank you to all the musicians over the years that have inspired me," he told the audience. "Dolly thank you so much."
His band then began playing I Will Always Love You alongside the 1974 track with Dolly singing as Styles encouraged fans to sing along in her honour.
Global tour details and residency schedule
Styles' 30 shows at Madison Square Garden, an iconic 20,000-capacity arena in Midtown Manhattan, mark his only US performances this year. The residency began on August 26, with performances taking place on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout until the run concludes on October 31. Musician and DJ Jamie xx is joining Styles as his support act for the New York shows.
The singer has been celebrating the release of his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, with a huge world tour. Earlier at the start of the year, he announced a seven-city global residency named Together, Together.
The tour comprises 50 stops across Amsterdam, London, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, New York City, Melbourne and Sydney between May and December in 2026. Prior to arriving in North America, his 12-night run in London made history as the longest-ever Wembley Stadium residency by a solo artist, where country legend Shania Twain served as his support act throughout.
