Steve Kornacki, the renowned chief data analyst for NBC News, recently revealed that he has gained an unexpected connection with pop star Harry Styles during a FaceTime call. Kornacki shared his experience during an appearance on TODAY, recounting the surreal moment that occurred on January 21 while he was attending a men’s college basketball game at Madison Square Garden.
The unexpected call came shortly after Kornacki recorded a promotional video to help Styles unveil the details of his upcoming fall tour. “It was funny, I was at MSG on Tuesday night for a St. John’s basketball game,” Kornacki explained. Following a message from Styles’ manager expressing gratitude, Kornacki was pleasantly surprised when FaceTime rang.
Amid the excitement, Kornacki took the call outside to avoid causing any disruptions in the bustling arena. He noted the significance of Styles’ history at MSG, where a banner celebrates the 15 consecutive sold-out performances from his 2022 tour. “I should’ve gone in and shown him the banner, but I forgot to,” Kornacki mused, reflecting on the moment.
Styles is set to make history with a remarkable 30-day residency at Madison Square Garden this fall as part of his “Together, Together” tour, which may call for a new banner to commemorate the achievement. The Grammy Award-winning artist, who took home the Album of the Year for “Harry’s House” in 2023, is also working on new music this year.
In addition to sharing his FaceTime experience, Kornacki detailed the creative process behind the video he filmed, which featured him standing in front of a world map highlighting Styles’ international tour dates. His knack for visual storytelling, often seen on election nights, has made his style a recognizable presence in NBC News coverage. “I think they saw me doing the map for election nights, and this is a map of the world, and we’re going from Europe to South America,” Kornacki explained.
The unexpected crossover between politics and pop culture highlights the diverse connections individuals can share in unusual moments. As Kornacki continues to bridge the world of news and entertainment, the excitement around Styles’ upcoming tour adds a vibrant touch to his renowned analysis skills.