One Direction have become the first British group in history to top the US Billboard Charts in the first week of sales with their debut album, which sold over 176,000 copies. On the digital chart, the album went straight to the top spot within minutes of it being released on Tuesday, 13th March 2012.

Speaking about the event, Harry Styles said: 'We simply cannot believe that we are No.1 in America! It's beyond a dream come true for us. We want to thank each and every one of our fans in the US who bought our album and we would also like to thank the American public for being so supportive of us.'

One Direction were formed and mentored by Simon Cowell on the 2010 edition of the UK X Factor - all five boys originally auditioned on the show as solo acts. They were signed to his label Syco in 2011. Cowell said of their success: 'I couldn't be happier for One Direction, it is an incredible achievement. They deserve it. They have the best fans in the world.'

Up All Night reached number one in twelve different countries but in their native UK, it reached number two upon its release in December 2011, with Rihanna's Talk That Talk keeping them from the top spot. However, the singles What Makes You Beautiful; Gotta Be You and One Thing, have all been Top 10 hits for One Direction. They are currently touring the US with American boy band BIG TIME RUSH.