They finished third on the seventh series of “X-Factor.” They were the first British group ever to debut at U.S. Billboard 200 with their first album. They have sold over 12 million records and represent a $50 million business empire. And on top of all that, they have managed to enchant millions of girls from all around the world.
As the Huffington Post proclaims, 2012 is “The Year of One Direction.”
Senior Rachel Leonard is one of One Direction’s many fans who have followed the band ever since their debut in 2010.
“I really love their music and they are also the most beautiful boys in the whole world,” Leonard said. “And honestly, there is not one thing I don’t like about them.”
The five boys who make up One Direction—Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson— auditioned as solo candidates for Britain's “X-Factor” television music competition in 2010. They each failed to qualify for the boys’ category, but were then put together to compete as a group, as suggested by guest judge Nicole Scherzinger.
After winning third place of the 2010-2011 season, they signed a deal with Simon Cowell’s record label Synco Records.
“Harry was the one who thought of the name of the band, One Direction,” Leonard said. “Ever since then, they’ve been the biggest boy band of all time.”
Another so-called Directioner, sophomore Nidhi Vellanki, said she loves the band’s camaraderie.
“I love how they are all really good friends, even though they didn’t really know each other when the band was first created,” Vellanki said.
According to Leonard, One Direction appeals to teenagers not only because of their looks but also because of their personalities.
“[In] interviews, they are all super funny, but they are also super nice and genuine and you can just tell that they are good people,” Leonard said. “They do a lot of charity work, and mixed in with their personalities and their looks, it just all goes together perfectly.”
Leonard added that another reason for One Direction’s popularity is that “they dress really nicely” and have appealing British accents.
“Being British is probably part of the reason why I love them,” Leonard said. “The accents make them even more attractive.”
Leonard said Horan is their favorite boy in One Direction because “he is adorable and his laugh is amazing.”
“I love Niall and I want to marry him,” Leonard said. “It’s actually going to happen.”