The founder of Syco Records, where the boys released their debut album, tweets, 'It is an incredible achievement. They deserve it.'
- Mar 22, 2012
AceShowbiz - Simon Cowell, who helped launch One Direction's career, was quick to send the boys a congratulatory message after learning that they soared to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 200. "I couldn't be happier for @onedirection, it is an incredible achievement. They deserve it. They have the best fans in the world," the former judge on "The X Factor" tweeted.
By landing atop the U.S. album chart with their debut album "Up All Night", One Direction beat The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Spice Girls, Coldplay, Radiohead and Queen by becoming the first U.K. group to enter the weekly rundown at No. 1 on their first try. They surpassed the highest Hot 200 entry posted by Spice Girls in February 1997 ("Spice", at No. 6).
Overjoyed with the accolade, Harry Styles said in a statement, "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."
Niall Horan added, "We just found out that we are No.1 in America and as you can imagine, we are over the moon! When we got put together as a group, we couldn't imagine ourselves coming to America, let alone releasing our album here, so for us to be sitting at the top of the US album charts is unbelievable. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us in the US."
In more personal notes, Harry posted on his Twitter, "This news is incredibly humbling and I feel so lucky to be part of this..Would be nowhere without you. Thank you so much!! GAAAHHH!" In a similar tone, Niall tweeted on his own page, "You guys are incredible, thank you soooo much for buying up all night, best day of my life! I can't say this enough we have the best fans on the planet #DirectionersWorlwide ! We love you soo much,you helped us make history."
More congratulations were received by One Direction from fellow U.K. artists. Olly Murs tweeted, "WELL DONEEEEE!! @onedirection #1 with Debut Album in US Billboard Charts!! 1st Ever Uk Band to do it!! That's amazing stuff lads!! Ledge!!" JLS posted, "Congrats to @onedirection on their US no1 album! Thats HUGE boys..well done!"
