One Direction and Little Mix are set to appear at major year-end events, with both acts announced among the performers for the BBC Music Awards and the Royal Variety Performance. These high-profile appearances come amid ongoing chart success and busy promotion schedules for both groups.
One Direction won MTV EMA Award for Best Pop
One Direction tweeted their thanks and congratulations following their MTV EMA recognition.
Fearne Cotton to host BBC Music Awards 2015
Fearne Cotton and Chris Evans will present the BBC Music Awards in 2015. The BBC confirmed a strong line-up of performers for the show at The Genting Arena, Birmingham on Thursday 10th December, including One Direction, Little Mix, Ellie Goulding, Hozier, Jess Glynne, Mumford & Sons and OMI. Additional performers will be revealed in the coming weeks. Read more: HJPR
Royal Variety Performance 2015 – first acts announced
The Royal Variety Performance, taking place at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday 13th November in aid of the Royal Variety Charity and in the presence of HRH Prince Harry, will feature a varied bill. Announced performers include Beverly Knight, Brandon Flowers, Cirque Du Soleil, The Corrs, Sir Elton John, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Josh Groban, Kylie Minogue, Little Mix, One Direction and others. Jack Whitehall is confirmed as host. Read more: Royal Variety Charity
Liam Payne’s illness and Belfast gig cancellation — the timeline
One Direction faced a last-minute cancellation of their Belfast concert after Liam Payne fell ill, reportedly overwhelmed by the pressures of fame. Initial reports described a backstage meltdown and cancellation, leaving thousands of fans disappointed. Payne subsequently apologised on social media, saying he was feeling better and hoped fans could attend the rescheduled date. The following night he rejoined his bandmates on stage, reassuring fans with a swift recovery.
Media coverage around the event included personal reports about Payne’s wellbeing and subsequent developments in his private life. Bandmates and management emphasised the intense schedule the group has maintained and the need for rest after five years of global touring. Simon Cowell later commented on the band’s exhaustion and suggested that a break would be beneficial after such a demanding run.
Fan activity and releases
Fans continued to show strong support for One Direction, including coordinated projects such as a full-page thank-you ad placed in Billboard magazine. Meanwhile, the band released the black-and-white music video for their single “Perfect,” featuring band members around a luxury hotel with views of the New York skyline.
Group dynamics and recent changes
Since Zayn Malik’s departure earlier in the year, the remaining members have spoken publicly about growing closer and focusing on the future. Niall Horan stated that the split made the group stronger, while media coverage reflected both the personal and professional adjustments the band has navigated.
Little Mix: promotion, style and chart presence
Little Mix have remained active on promotional tours and in the charts. The group continued radio appearances in the UK, showcasing autumn styling during a Birmingham radio run, and maintained multiple singles in the official and Irish charts. Their recent singles and album tracks have kept them visible across playlists and media coverage.
Fleur East and other featured artists
The broader music coverage included a profile of Fleur East, who has been working on her debut album and released the single “Sax.” The profile highlights her rise since the X Factor finals, a record deal with SYCO Music, and her growing presence in both the UK and international markets.
Simon Cowell on parenthood and career reflections
Simon Cowell gave interviews reflecting on the demands of television and music careers, his experience as a new father, and how life changes have softened some of his previous habits. He also commented publicly on the intense schedules of acts like One Direction and the importance of taking time off after extended periods of touring and promotion.
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Irish Charts
Singles
1 One Direction – Perfect
14 One Direction – Drag Me Down
33 Little Mix – Black Magic
35 Kygo – Here For You (feat. Ella Henderson)
45 Little Mix – Love Me Like You
59 Olly Murs – Kiss Me
62 Ben Haenow – Second Hand Heart (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
64 One Direction – Infinity
74 Fifth Harmony – Worth It (feat. Kid Ink)
76 Sigma – Glitterball (feat. Ella Henderson)
97 Little Mix – Weird People
Albums
1 Ed Sheeran – X
12 One Direction – Four
50 One Direction – Midnight Memories
85 One Direction – Take Me Home
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The Official Charts
Singles
1 KDA – Turn The Music Louder (Rumble) (feat. Tinie Tempah & Katy B)
2 One Direction – Perfect
20 Olly Murs – Kiss Me
21 Ben Haenow – Second Hand Heart (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
32 Little Mix – Love Me Like You
36 Little Mix – Black Magic
37 One Direction – Drag Me Down
47 Kygo – Here For You (feat. Ella Henderson)
59 Sigma – Glitterball (feat. Ella Henderson)
65 Rita Ora – Body On Me (feat. Chris Brown)
78 Little Mix – Weird People
86 Fifth Harmony – Worth It (feat. Kid Ink)
87 One Direction – Infinity
Albums
1 Jamie Lawson – Jamie Lawson
59 Will Young – 85% Proof