One Direction is a British-Irish boyband, consisting of members Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne. They finished third on the seventh series of ITV reality talent show The X Factor. Following The X Factor, the group signed a £2 million record contract with Syco. The band applied as solo candidates to the competition, but failed to qualify for the Boys category. After a suggestion by guest judge Nicole Scherzinger, the five teens were put into a band, thus qualifying for the Groups category.
After the elimination of F.Y.D., Diva Fever and Belle Amie within four weeks they were Simon Cowell's last act in the competition.
One Direction finished third behind runner up, Rebecca Ferguson and winner, Matt Cardle.