“Interestingly, when they left, I had a bad feeling that maybe we shouldn’t have lost them and this is when the idea came about that we should see if they could work as a group. We invited these five guys back. They were the only five we cared about. The minute they stood there for the first time together – it was a weird feeling. They just looked like a group at that point. I had a good feeling, but when they came to my house in Spain and performed, after about a millionth of a second. I tried to keep a straight face for a bit of drama for the show. I remember sitting next to this girl who I was working with. The second they left we jumped out of my chair and said, “These guys are incredible!” They just had it. They had this confidence. They were fun. They worked out the arrangements themselves. They were like a gang of friends, and kind of fearless as well.”
- Simon Cowell
“It’s amazing to think back to when we were first put together to the point we are at now. Things have moved so quickly its got all of us in a massive state of shock. It’s so sureal to think of everything like winning the brit, doing our 1st uk tour, having our first number one. Can’t believe all of this has happened to us, five lucky guys and not only out of this have. I had a lot of fun making music and working in the music industry but I’ve made the four best mates and 4 brothers that i always wanted, couldn’t ask to work with 4 nicer guys and I’m very proud to be in one direction. The only last thing i can say, once again, is thank you to all of you. Everyone who’s supported us so far, from the people who first picked up the phone and voted on x factor, to the people who went into the shop and bought our album last week and everybody in between, thank you so so much for a fantastic opportunity and helping me and the boys to where we are today. I know sometimes you think we forget everyone who has shown amazing amounts of suppport but we never ever will. We love you guys and please keep supporting us and doing what you have always done.”
—Liam Payne (+)
