One Direction’s new single, “Steal My Girl,” will premiere on September 29. Read the full update below for details on the single, the band’s upcoming fourth album FOUR, related releases and other music news.
ONE DIRECTION’S FOUR: New single “Steal My Girl” set to premiere September 29
One Direction has confirmed that the lead single from their fourth studio album, FOUR, is titled “Steal My Girl” and will debut on Monday, September 29. The band also revealed that they will perform material from FOUR live on NBC’s TODAY show on Monday, November 17, marking the album’s release week.
Press summary — “Steal My Girl” and the album FOUR
“Steal My Girl” expands the band’s pop sound with cascading stadium piano chords and broader songwriting influences. The track credits Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne as co-writers alongside Ed Drewett, Wayne Hector, Julian Bunetta and John Ryan — the team behind last year’s single “Best Song Ever.” Producers on the track include Julian Bunetta, John Ryan and Paro Westerlund.
Earlier, One Direction surprised fans by offering “Fireproof,” a preview track from FOUR, as a free download for 24 hours via their official site. The free single generated more than 1.1 million downloads during that window and drove intense social media conversation. When FOUR opened for pre-order, it quickly topped charts in dozens of countries, outpacing their previous album’s early performance.
The band will celebrate FOUR’s release with a special performance on TODAY from Universal Orlando Resort on November 17. The appearance continues a long-running relationship with the program following their first national television performance there and a successful Rockefeller Plaza concert.
In just a few years, One Direction has become one of the world’s biggest pop acts, selling millions of records and building a global fanbase. FOUR follows the group’s massive WHERE WE ARE stadium tour and the documentary THIS IS US. Fans will also be able to see WHERE WE ARE: THE CONCERT FILM in theaters for one weekend on October 11–12, with a home release planned for December 2. FOUR is scheduled for global release on November 17 via Syco/Columbia Records. Fans who pre-order the deluxe album on iTunes will receive “Steal My Girl” instantly on September 29.
Other music news and highlights
Ella Henderson — Chapter One
Ella Henderson’s debut album Chapter One is due to arrive on digital retailers in mid-September via Simco Limited. The album follows her number one debut single “Ghost,” with “Glow” released as the next single. The project showcases her songwriting and pop-soul vocals ahead of the album launch.
Sam Bailey welcomes a baby girl
X Factor winner Sam Bailey has given birth to her third child, a daughter, confirmed by her representative. Both mother and baby are reported to be well following the birth.
Leona Lewis opens up about a difficult year
Leona Lewis published an open letter to fans describing a challenging year that left her feeling depressed at times. The singer reflected on emotional highs and lows and discussed moving forward after parting ways with her former record label.
Cosmetic surgery claims about X Factor judges
A cosmetic surgery specialist has suggested that some members of this year’s X Factor judging panel may have had aesthetic procedures. The claims follow public discussion about the judges’ polished appearances, but such reports are opinions from medical commentators rather than confirmed statements from the judges themselves.
Behavior of contestants on a flight
Reports have surfaced that contestants traveling from a performance in Mexico behaved boisterously on a recent overnight flight, prompting crew intervention. Passengers reportedly complained about noise and in-flight drinking, while airline staff worked to restore order.
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Irish charts
Singles
1 Lilly Wood & Robin Schulz – Prayer in C
2 G.R.L. – Ugly Heart
10 Ella Henderson – Ghost
40 Cheryl Cole – Crazy Stupid Love (feat. Tinie Tempah)
93 Little Mix – Salute
Albums
1 Robert Plant – Lullaby and … the Ceaseless Roar
8 Collabro – Stars
40 One Direction – Midnight Memories
86 One Direction – Take Me Home
95 One Direction – Up All Night
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The Official Charts
Singles
1 Calvin Harris – Blame (feat. John Newman)
18 Ella Henderson – Ghost
21 G.R.L. – Ugly Heart
32 Cheryl Cole – Crazy Stupid Love (feat. Tinie Tempah)
Albums
1 Sam Smith – In The Lonely Hour
10 Collabro – Stars (BGT 2014 Winners)
58 Phillip Phillips – The World From the Side of the Moon