It's hard to believe that pop sensation One Direction have only been around since 2010. Discovered on 'The X Factor' they have gone from strength to strength, selling records and winning awards. The band represents a $50million dollar empire, as well as having endorsements with some of the biggest companies in the world. Whoever said coming 3rd didn't make you a winner?
One Direction consists of heartthrobs Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, all 18, Zayn Malik, 19, and Louis Tomlinson, 20. The boys auditioned as solo acts for 'The X Factor,' but didn't make it to the Boys category. Guest judge Nicole Scherzinger spotted their star potential, suggested putting the boys into a five piece band and the rest they say is history. Their chemistry and bond as a band was incredible and they only had a few weeks to rehearse together in run-up to their final audition at judge's houses in front of Simon Cowell. Even though the boys never won the competition, they won the hearts of thousands of fans and Simon was quick to sign them as soon as the show had finished.
Their debut album, 'Up All Night,' not only became the fastest-selling debut album of 2011 in the UK but landed on the top of the U.S Billboard 200, making the band the first ever UK group to top the charts with their first album in America. Not only did the album give them global fame, the single, 'What makes you beautiful,' won them their first ever Brit Award for Best British Single.
As the boys continue to have increasing success, their love lives have also become a hot topic. The boys seem to have a theme going on with their choice of girlfriends. They like their older ladies, with a possible X Factor past. Harry infamously dated TV personality and Xtra Factor presenter, Caroline Flack. Their controversial relationship was under much public scrutiny due to their age difference, he's 18 and she's 32. While Caroline received a lot of flak (no pun intended) for the relationship, Harry has gone onto have quite the cougar-loving reputation, being linked to several older women.
Whilst Harry is being linked to TV Presenters and models, band mate Zayn, has been sticking to X Factor contestants. Another controversial relationship was that between Zayn and X Factor runner-up, Rebecca Ferguson. Rebecca received criticism for dating the singer as he was six-years her junior. However, the romance wasn't to last and Zayn is now happily loved-up with one of last year's X Factor winners, Little Mix singer, Perrie Edwards.
It seems no girl from the X Factor was safe whilst these boys were around. Liam met his girlfriend, Danielle Peazer, when she was a back-up dancer for the group, when he was a contestant on the show. Danielle was reluctant to get with the singer at first due to their age difference (she's 24 and he's 18) but soon gave into his charm. How can anyone not succumb to the charm of a 1D member?
So do we have to audition for the X Factor or be on TV to snag a member of 1D? It appears not! Breaking the theme in the band of dating older ladies with an X Factor past is Louis. His girlfriend is 19-year-old student, Eleanor Calder. With Niall the only single member, there's hope for us mere commoners to bag a member of One Direction after all!
With the band now preparing for a world tour in 2013, it seems things are still continuing to go in one direction for the boys - world domination.
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