The Boy Band 'One Direction' are the latest pop sensation! Their debut single "What Makes You Beautiful" was released on 11 September 2011. The single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number one on 18 September 2011, shifting 153,965 copies, becoming the third fastest selling single of 2011. Their second single, "Gotta Be You", was released on 13 November 2011, which peaked at number three.
The band has been chased through the streets by screaming teen girls - and it is fair to say that they are far and away the top band for the 12 - 17 age range.
The band was created - or 'talent-picked' - by Simon Cowell from contestants in his X-Factor show, and Sony (a giant recording company) has arranged for songs to be written for the boys.
One Direction make many young people excited and happy, but some commentators are raising concerns. One well-known music journalist recently wrote:
"One Direction are yet another untalented group of lads put together for no other reason than to make money from guillible teen girls. They don't write their own songs, they don't play instruments - and their hits are nothing more than lame and dated pop songs about 'luuurve' and teen fantasy.
There are many much more talented musicians who deserve a chance more than these boys, and who would bring some originality to the teen music scene.
One Direction fans are being exploited and manipulated by a big business that has no interest in promoting worthwhile new music. It's wrong."
Controversial?
So what do you think? Do you agree with the proposal below?
It is proposed that it is acceptable for Simon Cowell and Sony to manipulate the interests of teenagers