Happy Anniversary to One Direction! Ten years ago today, Simon Cowell plucked five young lads–Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik–out of a pool of X Factor rejects to become the group One Direction.
The quintet only finished the competition in third place, but after the show, the boys took the world by storm, thanks to chemistry between and personalities of the group members. Also, the group supported by incredible A&R and production rom the record label, Syco/Columbia. GREAT SONGS still hold up today–infectious Beatlesque power pop–and have a solid chance of standing the test of time.
One Direction Plotting a 10 Year Anniversary Reunion Says Liam Payne
“Me and Simon would talk about how [One Direction] was Beatlesque, Monkees-esque,” Songwriter Savan Kotecha told Rolling Stone. “They had such big personalities. I felt like a kid again when I was around them. And I felt like the only music you could really do that with is fun, poppy guitar songs. It would come out of left field and become something owned by the fans.”
One Direction were fan favorites on the show. But they didn’t dance. They had trouble singing harmonies, so they mostly sang in unison. Not exactly the stuff great boy bands are made of. But with the right producers and songs, and force of their appealing personalities, the group went on to superstardom. The band’s fan base continues to be MASSIVE.
Making of One Direction: All Five X Factor Auditions and First as a Group
BONUS. Watch guest judge Katy Perry deliver the final yes to Niall Horan after an iffy audition. Louis Tomlinson came back in 2010 after Simon booted him at judges houses in 2008. And the rest is history (Years later, he dated panelist Cheryl Cole and fathered a child with her!)
Watch Simon Cowell Put Together One Direction on X Factor
Every One Direction Performance on X Factor
Liam Payne sang most of the leads!
There is supposed to be a One Direction anniversary website. But when the link was posted on social media, the site immediately became unfunctional. Oh well!
In the meantime, here’s a NEW Video celebrating 10 years of One Direction. In 2015, Zayn Malik left the band, but the remaining four members carried on for another album and massive tour. The band went on “hiatus” in 2016. Will the group ever get back together again? For now, all five members are pursuing solo careers. Harry’s latest album, Fine Line, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 100, while his single “Watermelon Sugar” sits at No 7 on the Hot 100.
10 Years of One Direction
One Direction toured and recorded constantly during the band’s six year run. They put out four albums as a quintet and one as a foursome: Up All Night (2011), Take Me Home (2012), Midnight Memories (2013) Four (2014) and Made in the A.M (2015).
Check out a playlist of One Direction’s Top tracks, including the first hit, catchy as HECK “What Makes You Beautiful,” the folk-driven ballad “Story of My Life,” pretty ballad “Night Changes,” their final track “History” and more.
Check out a playlist of One Direction’s biggest hits
THANK YOU FANS
Lastly, Louis, Liam, Niall and Harry posted sweet messages on social media for their fans. Uhm, yeah. Not Zayn. When he left the band, it was a divorce. Maybe someday all five group members will reconcile. He and Gigi Hadid are expecting a child. So that’s happy news!
Check out the messages here:
Louis Tomlinson
Too many incredible memories to mention but not a day goes by that I don’t think about how amazing it was. @NiallOfficial @Harry_Styles @LiamPayne @zaynmalik. So proud of you all individually. Feeling pretty emotional today. 10 years!! Spent the morning watching old interviews and performances. Just wanted to send a massive thank you to ALL of my band mates. What we did together was incredible And to the fans. The people who gave us all these amazing opportunities. You are incredible, your unmatched level of loyalty is something that makes me really really proud. Miss it every day!
Liam Payne
What a journey… I had no idea what we were in for when I sent this text to my Dad ten years ago at this exact time the band was formed. Thanks to everyone that’s supported us over the years and thanks to the boys for sharing this with me #10YearsOfOneDirection
Niall Horan
when I met these four gents there was no way I thought we would go on to do what we did. So many unbelievable memories we shared together. We felt the adoration of millions from around the planet on a daily basis and it was mind blowing. It’s such a major part of our lives and always will be. Cheers to US today boys and thank you to all you beautiful people who have supported us over the last 10 years. @LiamPayn @Harry_Styles @zaynmalik @Louis_Tomlinson #10YearsOfOneDirection
Harry Styles
I’ve been struggling to put into words how grateful I am for everything that’s happened over the last ten years. I’ve seen things and places that I’d only ever dreamt of when I was growing up. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with some of the most incredible people, and gained friendships that I know I will treasure for the rest of my life. None of this would be possible without the support you’ve given along the way. And for that, I will be forever thankful. I just can’t believe it’s been ten years. Thank you to our crew, our team, and everyone else who helped us along the way. To all the fans, I love you, and I thank you with all my heart. You did it all, and you changed everything.
