One Direction’s 3rd album is out! Union J’s JJ Hamblett is a dad!
One Direction, ‘Midnight Memories’: Track-By-Track Review
Did you really expect the world’s biggest boy band to drop the ball on 2013? “Midnight Memories,” the third full-length from the “X Factor”-formed quintet (out Nov. 25 via Columbia/Syco), follows up on what worked best on last year’s “Take Me Home,” and tosses in some proficient new ideas to keep listeners eager for the band’s continued evolution.
Read more: Billboard
Does One Direction’s ‘Midnight Memories’ Follow The Boy Band Third-Album Trend?
This week, British heartthrobs One Direction — the most successful boy band in a decade by just about any standard — release their third studio album, “Midnight Memories.” If it feels crazy that the group is already on its third album, that’s because it absolutely is crazy–it was just March of last year that the group released their first album, “Up All Night,” to United States retailers. The 20 months since have encompassed not only a second album and multiple hit singles, but celebrity relationships, mostly imaginary pop feuds, and even the now-obligatory behind-the-scenes concert film.
Read more: Billboard
The Business Strategy Behind One Direction’s ‘Midnight Memories’ Roll-Out (From the Magazine)
“Midnight Memories” is the next phase in a whirlwind two-year period for One Direction, during which the group has sold more than 35 million records worldwide, many of them in the United States, the biggest market for the U.K. group. Debut album “Up All Night” has moved 1.9 million copies since its stateside release in March 2012, while last November’s “Take Me Home” has nearly matched it with 1.8 million, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Both albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making One Direction the first British band to enter the top of the chart with its first two albums since the Beatles. The act has also sold 15.6 million singles in the States, led by debut hit “What Makes You Beautiful” (4.4 million copies), as well as “One Thing” (1.5 million), “Live While We’re Young” (1.2 million) and Midnight Memories’ lead single “Best Song Ever” (1 million).
On the touring front, One Direction has grossed $78.3 million from 81 of the 134 shows the band has reported to Billboard Boxscore thus far, with an attendance of 1.2 million to the group’s first global arena tour. The act took home the Breakthrough Award at Billboard’s Touring Awards this month, and is set to embark on an even bigger tour of stadiums in 2014 that starts April 26 in Colombia. Plus, the group’s concert documentary, “This Is Us,” took in a worldwide gross of $68 million, according to Box Office Mojo.
Read more: Billboard
One Direction’s Midnight Memories: Go Inside Their Late-Night Recording Sessions
MTV News got the goods about 1D’s new album from producer/songwriter Julian Bunetta.
If the title of the album didn’t give it away, One Direction worked on the majority of their latest release, Midnight Memories, during late-night recording sessions with their close-knit team of songwriters and producers.
Their follow-up to 2012’s Take Me Home was created while the group toured the world and rose to super-super-superstar status.
Among the folks who worked on the release — jam packed with pumped-up party anthems, as well as emotional ballads — was co-songwriter/producer Julian Bunetta. He previously worked with the fivesome on Take Me Home, among other projects. With the album out Monday (November 25), Bunetta takes MTV News inside those Midnight Memories recording sessions.
Read more: MTV
The Best NEWS Ever? One Direction announce North American tour dates on Good Morning America
One Direction have announced the dates for the North American leg of their Where We Are tour after performing their new single Story Of My Life on Good Morning America, on Tuesday.
Harry, Niall, Zayn, Liam and Louis were on the morning chat show to promote their new album Midnight Memories when they revealed the exciting tour news.
The boys are going to be fulfilling adoring fans’ dreams across North America and Canada from next August, with their first show taking place in Toronto.
Read more: Daily Mail
One Direction: We’d Never Perform Solo
As former ‘N Sync member Justin Timberlake delivered his first American Music Awards solo performance on Sunday, ET asked the One Direction gang if they’d ever consider solo careers.
“I don’t think I’d be able to do it,” admitted Niall Horan.
Liam Payne elaborated on Horan’s sentiment, confessing that he’s not sure he’d be able to perform without his fellow boy-band mates on stage with him.
“I think I’d be scared. It’s nice having other people on stage to kind of interact with and vibe off,” the 20-year-old English singer said. “You can take a little break here and there, which is nice.”
Read More: ET Online
‘I wish I’d finished school!’ Niall Horan reveals regret… as One Direction scoop Favourite Band at AMAs
They say the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
So perhaps it should come as no surprise Niall Horan lamented not finishing school on the night his band One Direction were named favourite band at the American Music Awards.
The Irish warbler, 20, revealed his disappointment at failing to fulfil his scholastic aspirations as he made his way into the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.
He made the comment as the band were being grilled on the red carpet by E!’s unflappable reporter Giuliana Rancic on what they are not to do now that they’re so famous.
Quick as a flash, Niall said: ‘I wish I’d finished school. I never got to finish my last exam.’
Read more: Daily Mail
Best fan ever! Ecstatic Emma Roberts can barely conceal her delight as she cosies up to One Direction star Niall Horan for a selfie
As the niece of Oscar-winner Julia Roberts and an established actress in her own right she should be used to rubbing shoulders with celebrities, but Emma Roberts was just a regular fan on Sunday evening when she bumped into One Direction on the red carpet.
The 22-year-old actress was attending the American Music Awards in Los Angeles when she came face to face with the British band as she sashayed inside the Nokia Theatre.
Emma would later take to the stage to introduce the band, who performed on the night, and she could barely conceal her delight, or her phone, as she cosied up to fan favourite Niall Horan for a selfie.
Read more: Daily Mail
Liam Payne saves Calvin Harris from flying dwarf as One Direction celebrate AMA win at Miley Cyrus’s 21st birthday party
It’s a good job One Direction attended Miley Cyrus’s 21st birthday party on Sunday night, because reports say that Liam Payne saved DJ Calvin Harris from being knocked over by an airborne dwarf.
The Sun writes that the band attended the bash which was held inside Beacher’s Madhouse in LA, after winning the Favourite Pop/Rock Album AMA for their second studio album, Take Me Home.
Miley’s actual birthday was Saturday, but she waited until the next day to celebrate with a party that carried on until the early hours.
Read more: Daily Mail
This one goes out to Kendall! Teenage lothario Harry Styles admits he ‘draws on personal experiences’ when writing lyrics with One Direction
He’s credited as a co-writer on the new One Direction album, and Harry Styles admits his convoluted love-life is a huge source of inspiration for many of his lyrics.
The 19-year-old singer is currently in the US, where excitement has reached fever pitch during a hectic week that has seen the band host a seven-hour streaming marathon at YouTube HQ before dropping third LP Midnight Memories on Monday.
Unlike previous albums the band had a hand in penning some of the songs, and Harry – currently linked to Kendall Jenner – says his numerous romances came in handy when he sat down to write.
Read more: Daily Mail
‘I’m training to be Thor’: Harry Styles goes shirtless as he shows off his buff body in the gym… and confesses to surviving on just FOUR HOURS of sleep a night
He’s greeted by a sea of screaming fans wherever he goes, and has recently been linked to one of America’s hottest young models.
But Harry Styles has offered a unique insight into the effort that goes into being a world-famous heartthrob as he opened up about his fitness habits in a new video for One Direction’s seven-hour streaming event, 1D Day.
No doubt delighting his legion of devoted followers, the 19-year-old singer went shirtless as he showcased his buff body and bulging biceps in the gym.
Read more: Daily Mail
No Payne no gain: One Direction’s Liam lives out boyhood dream and takes on Kurt Angle in TNA wrestling match
Liam Payne got to fulfil a life-long dream by taking on TNA impact wrestling legend, Kurt Angle in a mock fight this weekend for 1D day.
Both Liam and his band mate Harry Styles are huge wrestling fans and Liam was thrilled when muscle man Kurt was invited to tackle him.
While Kurt started off the bout simply, perhaps in order to give the 20-year-old a head start, it seems that Liam, who was given the moniker ‘The Payne Train’ was more skilled than he had anticipated.
Read more: Daily Mail
Harry Styles quashes Kendall Jenner rumours as he tells the world he’s single on Good Morning America
Harry Styles revealed he’s still single on Good Morning America, despite taking Kim Kardashian’s stepsister Kendall Jenner on a date.
The star received a roaring cheer as he raised his hand when the Good Morning America presenter asked Harry and his One Direction band mates who was ‘still available’.
The 1D stars were in Central Park performing tracks from their new album and revealed the dates for their upcoming Where We Are tour.
Read more: Daily Mail
Lock star: Harry Styles keeps his curls in check with khaki hairband in London just 24 hours after performing in New York
The One Direction boys often speak out about their whirlwind schedules and global expectations.
Although Harry Styles seemed to have taken it upon himself to clock up more air miles for the group, as he jetted home to London from New York in a speedy 24 hours.
Harry and band mates Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson have been in the US to promote their new EP ‘Midnight Memories’ which was released on Monday.
Read more: Daily Mail
‘Soooo happy right now’: Union J star JJ Hamblett and his model girlfriend Caterina Lopez welcome their baby boy Princeton
Union J star JJ Hamblett is a dad, with the X Factor graduate and his model girlfriend Caterina Lopez welcoming a baby boy called Princeton J. Alexander on Thursday morning.
The singer shared his big news on Twitter, excitedly posting within an hour of the birth.
25-year-old JJ announced: ‘Its official at 9 30am today I became a Daddy The healthy little boy has arrived at a weight of 6lb!!!!! soooo happy right now :)))) xx’.
Read more: Daily Mail
Leona Lewis shows off a slimmer shape in an optical illusion style coat on radio visit in Manchester
The X Factor singer might have started off her singing career in a plain and ordinary wardrobe, but was spotted stepping out in a eye-catching coat on Tuesday.
Leona Lewis was seen in a striking optical illusion coat in Manchester, with slimming black side panels which gave the singer a sleek and chic appearance.
Leona, who shot to fame after winning the X Factor in 2006, looked smart and sophisticated in dark circular sunglasses paired with a striking beige and black tuxedo style coat, adorned with orange panels on the sleeves.
Read more: Daily Mail
Leona Lewis interview: ‘My next album has to be better’
Since winning The X Factor back in 2006, Leona Lewis has sold a staggering 28 million records worldwide.
Taking a break from a traditional album release, the diva has turned her impressive vocal range to a new festive collection Christmas, With Love, which hears her take on original and classic tracks.
Digital Spy caught up with Leona to talk about her new Christmas album, as well as her plans for her next studio album.
Read more: Digital Spy
‘It was like therapy:’ Rebecca Ferguson reveals how singing helped her deal with depression and heartbreak… in an EXCLUSIVE interview and preview of new album Freedom
She is a breakout artist of The X Factor whose first album Heaven impressed both fans and critics, selling over a million copies.
But Liverpudlian Rebecca Ferguson, 27, revealed to the Mail Online that she almost didn’t record her second album, Freedom, as she battled depression.
‘I was depressed and I remember turning to my label and saying that I am not sure whether I should do this album,’ she said.
Read more: Daily Mail
X Factor Greatest Hits: 1D, Leona Lewis, Union J pick favourites
In case you hadn’t realised during Saturday night’s (November 23) broadcast, The X Factor celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The show has produced some mammoth worldwide hits during its run, and a new X Factor: Greatest Hits collection has been released to mark the occasion.
Digital Spy asked a handful of X Factor stars which greatest hit – other than their own – they would have liked to have recorded and why.
Read more: Digital Spy
‘It was the right time for me to go’: Hannah Barrett talks X Factor axe… as she defends ‘really, really nervous’ Tamera Foster
She became the latest contestant to be axed from The X Factor on Sunday night’s show.
But Hannah Barrett has revealed that she believed it was the ‘right time’ for her to be voted off the competition, adding that while she was ‘upset’ about her departure, she knew it was coming.
Hannah also took the opportunity to defend fellow contestant Tamera Foster, who avoided being in the bottom two despite forgetting the words to her song on Saturday night’s episode.
Read more: Daily Mail
First picture of X Factor’s Tamera Foster and One Direction star Niall Horan as she talks about their blossoming friendship
They would certainly make a good-looking couple and reports suggest that One Direction star Niall Horan and X Factor singer Tamera Foster are getting on like a house on fire.
A close friendship is said to be blossoming between the pair who met last Saturday when the band pre-recorded a performance of their song, Story Of My Life.
The track was played on the live results show on Sunday and Niall, 20, and Tamera, 16, were said to have hit it off when they met backstage.
Read more: Daily Mail
‘We understand each other’: X Factor’s Tamera Foster opens up on her ‘close’ relationship with Sam Callahan… after Niall Horan romance rumours
She’s admitted to talking to Niall Horan in private, and said she hopes the One Direction heartthrob fancies her.
But it would appear Tamera Foster’s heart lies elsewhere now that the teen X Factor star has opened up on her feelings for fellow former contestant, Sam Callahan.
Despite appearing close with Niall just a matter of days ago, the 16-year-old singer explained she and Sam – who was ejected from the competition two weeks ago – are ‘a unit’.
She told The Sun newspaper: ‘Sam and I are close, we are a unit. We understand each other.
‘He wasn’t getting the best comments from the judges but he does things in a positive way. He is a really good support system.’
Read more: Daily Mail
X Factor’s Sam Bailey shows off her slimline figure in stunning fitted outfit after losing nearly two stone in weight
She has been sticking to a strict diet and exercise regime since first appearing on The X Factor in a bid to lost weight and tone up.
And now Sam Bailey is showing off her slimline figure in a stunning fitted outfit after successfully shedding nearly two stone.
The 36-year-old former prison officer looks incredible in the printed top and white pencil skirt with black patent strappy heels as she poses up for Closer magazine.
Read more: Daily Mail
‘I’m a feline-ist!’ Nicole Scherzinger poses for fierce new shoot as she insists she will ‘always be a Pussycat’
She’s certainly come a long way since her Pussycat Doll days.
But Nicole Scherzinger has revealed in a new interview that despite having moved on from her girl group past, she will always have a pussycat inside of her.
Nicole made the admission as she posed for a fierce new photoshoot in Wylde magazine.
Read more: Daily Mail
