Hozier: Irish Music Icon, Saoirse Ronan Rumors & Hana Mayeda Love

Often referred to as the “Forest King” of modern indie-folk, Hozier has spent the last decade weaving a tapestry of blues, soul, and poetic lyricism that feels both ancient and timely. Known for his towering stature and a baritone voice that can shake rafters, the Irish singer-songwriter has evolved from a viral sensation into one of the most respected musical activists of his time.

As of early 2026, Hozier is deep into a global tour cycle that proves his “ethereal” appeal has only grown stronger with time, balancing chart-topping success with a steadfast commitment to social justice

Hozier Biography

Hozier

Born Andrew John Hozier-Byrne on March 17, 1990 (St. Patrick’s Day), in Newcastle, County Wicklow, Ireland, Hozier’s life has always been steeped in art. The son of a blues drummer-turned-banker and a stay-at-home artist, he grew up in a household where the Chicago blues and soul records of Nina Simone and Muddy Waters were the soundtrack to his childhood.

He attended Trinity College Dublin to study music but dropped out during his first year to record demos for a music label. He spent his early years with the choral ensemble Anúna, but a song recorded in his attic eventually changed the trajectory of his life forever.

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Career

Hozier’s career is a masterclass in the “quality over quantity” approach:

  • The Breakthrough (2013–2015): The release of “Take Me to Church” became a global phenomenon, not just for its melody but for its powerful message against institutionalized homophobia.
  • The Sophomore Success (2019): Wasteland, Baby! debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200, proving he was far more than a one-hit wonder.
  • The “Unreal Unearth” Era (2023–2026): Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, his third album yielded the massive hit “Too Sweet,” which became his first Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 in 2024.
  • The 2026 Tour: In early 2026, Hozier is currently headlining a massive international tour, selling out arenas across Europe and North America with a setlist that fans describe as a “spiritual experience.”

Hozier Songs

Hozier singing and playing the guitar
  • “Take Me to Church” (2013): The Grammy-nominated anthem that launched his career.
  • “Work Song” (2014): A hauntingly romantic fan favorite.
  • “Cherry Wine” (2014): A delicate, tragic look at domestic abuse.
  • “Nina Cried Power” (2018): A tribute to the protest music of Nina Simone and Mavis Staples.
  • “Eat Your Young” (2023): A sharp, metaphorical critique of modern gluttony.
  • “Too Sweet” (2024): The viral juggernaut that redefined his commercial peak.
  • “Nobody’s Soldier” (2024): A high-energy protest track from the Unaired EP.

Hozier Net Worth

As of January 2026, Hozier’s net worth is estimated at $6 million. While he has sold millions of albums, his primary wealth in 2026 comes from his record-breaking Unreal Unearth world tour and his significant publishing royalties. Unlike many stars, Hozier lives a relatively modest lifestyle, often seen frequenting local Irish pubs when he isn’t on the road.

Family

Hozier remains incredibly private about his inner circle, but he is very close to his parents, John and Raine, and his brother, Jon, who is a filmmaker. He has often credited his mother for the striking artwork on his album covers and his father for his deep-rooted love of the blues.

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Relationship History and Rumors

Hozier and Saoirse Ronan

Hozier and Saoirse Ronan chilling

The internet has long shipped Hozier and Saoirse Ronan. The rumors reached a fever pitch in 2017 when Saoirse starred in his powerful “Cherry Wine” music video. While sources at the time claimed they went on several dates in Dublin, neither party ever confirmed a romance. In 2026, they remain “creative soulmates” and close friends, frequently supporting each other’s Irish charitable endeavors.

Hozier and Hana Mayeda

Hozier and Hana Mayeda

In a rare move for the private star, Hozier confirmed his relationship with model Hana Mayeda in late 2024. After fans began speculating on her Instagram, Hozier personally stepped in to ask for privacy, referring to her as his “girlfriend.” In April 2025, the couple made their official red-carpet debut at the TIME 100 Gala. As of January 2026, they are still together, with Hana recently defending their relationship against fabricated social media screenshots, asserting their commitment to a private, peaceful life.

Controversies

Hozier is rarely the subject of tabloid drama, but his career has been marked by a few notable moments:

  • The “Church” Backlash: Upon its release, “Take Me to Church” faced bans in several highly religious territories for its critique of the Catholic Church.
  • The AI Deepfakes (2025): Like many artists in 2025, Hozier had to deal with unauthorized AI-generated versions of his voice being used for political ads. He was a leading voice in the campaign for stricter AI regulations in the music industry.
  • Fabricated Posts (2026): In early January 2026, his girlfriend Hana Mayeda had to issue a public statement regarding “demonstrably fabricated” screenshots that appeared to show her endorsing controversial political views, which she and Hozier’s team denounced as a coordinated smear campaign.

Hozier Age

As of early 2026, Hozier is 35 years old. He will celebrate his 36th birthday on March 17, 2026, a date he famously shares with St. Patrick.

Hozier Instagram

With over 3.8 million followers, Hozier’s Instagram (@hozier) is less a lifestyle blog and more of a digital gallery. His posts range from handwritten lyrics and tour photography to passionate pleas regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and climate change. In 2026, he remains one of the few celebrities who uses their platform primarily for “the work” rather than the “fame.”

Conclusion

Hozier (Andrew Hozier-Byrne) posing in the press room after winning awards at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards

Hozier is the rare artist who has managed to grow more popular while becoming more complex. In 2026, he isn’t just a singer; he is a poet-laureate for a generation that values authenticity over artifice.

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Aniekan Andikan
Aniekan Andikan

Aniekan Andikan is a senior entertainment writer and researcher at Tushstories, specializing in the intersection of pop culture history and global celebrity legacies and relationships. With over 5 years of experience in blogging, Aniekan focuses on uncovering the lesser-known narratives of movie, sports and music icons. He holds a degree in Education and is dedicated to providing readers with deeply researched, human-centered biographies that go beyond basic facts. When not digging into film archives, Aniekan can be found exploring local art galleries in Ikot Ekpene

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