One Direction

Armed with catchy pop and boundless charm, the handsome fivesome of One Direction became the vanguard of a new British invasion. The most successful boy band on these shores since 'N Sync, 1D were brought together via reality TV in 2010. Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Niall Horan (as an Irishman, the sole non-Brit) initially competed individually on the U.K. edition of 'The X-Factor.' Formed into a group by the show's judges, they ultimately finished third but won a recording contract with mentor Simon Cowell. Their poppy debut single, 'What Makes You Beautiful,' was a worldwide sensation, and the boy band that doesn't dance made U.S. chart history as the only British group to debut at No. 1 with its first album ('Up All Night'). 1D mania followed, with not only best-selling music, but movies, tours, books and wide-ranging host of other products.

Selected discography: ‘Up All Night’ (2011), ‘Take Me Home’ (2012), ‘Midnight Memories’ (2013)

Related artists: Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson

Further reading: Top 10 One Direction Songs, Zayn Malik’s Best Gifs, Liam Payne’s Best Instagram Photos, Best Niall Horan Gifs

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