How much does 1D and Zayn Malik have to do with Little Mix's success?

How much does 1D and Zayn Malik have to do with Little Mix's success?

It's a strange title in itself really. I mean, how much can a high-profile relationship affect the music success of each other's band or group? Apparently quite a bit.

One Direction is a group that is no stranger to attention and success. Over the past three years, the British-Irish boy band has reached tremendous levels of success and many accolades. No. 1 albums in the U.S. and no. 1 singles in the UK; a world-wide arena tour that sold out in minutes; a high-grossing film, beating out the likes of Katy Perry and Justin Bieber in sales; millions of copies sold of infectious hits like "What Makes You Beautiful" and "Best Song Ever", just to name a few. They don't need anymore attention than they already have, nor do they want more. The poor boys can't go anywhere without being swarmed by screaming girls and pushy paparazzi alike. Are their female-counterparts experiencing this kind of success?

Definitely not. I wouldn't say Little Mix is a flop, they have moderate success in the UK and have just started to break their way into the States. I enjoy their music and the quality of their songs and voices is very unique. Now obviously if you make it far enough in a singing competition show you have to have some sort of fan base, there are people calling to keep you in! Unlike other notable X-Factor contestants, Little Mix actually won the competition, landing them a record deal and a bright future. Extremely popular acts such as Cher Lloyd and One Direction from two years before took no time at all to get signed to record labels and start recording albums, even after losing the competition. Now why didn't Little Mix have a "What Makes You Beautiful" or "Want U Back"? Where was their catchy tune that broke not only the masses in their native UK but also to the United States, which launches any musician globally? They were there! "Wings" and "DNA" were popular in the UK from what I could tell, with their single from the X Factor "Cannonball" and debut single "Wings" going no. 1 on Official Charts. I know that once I heard those songs, I couldn't get enough of them. However haven't broken in the States yet, which is a downfall if you want global success. 

Still, they are successful and have a growing, loving fan base, and now, are touring with Demi Lovato on tour as an opening act. So why are people doubting their success? 

Because a girl groups has a LOT  to live up to! Boy bands do as well. One Direction had to live up to the expected to the success and adoration of N'Sync, The Backstreet Boys, and JLS. Did they? Obviously! But has Little Mix lived up to Destiny's Child, Spice Girls, or All Saints? Well, no. Sadly, every music group created is on a timer because they don't last forever. So their time should be spent with as much happiness and success possible.

It has been recognized the possibility that a fraction of the girls' success is attributed to One Direction fans, in an act of love for the band's own Zayn Malik, helped boost the group in sales and popularity. In this generation, the internet is our source of knowledge of things. People communicate their ideas, thoughts, and interests more than human beings have ever done before. I can guarantee you a large fraction of Tumblr's registered users have blogs dedicated to the One Direction boys; uploading GIFs and pictures of the boys, having conversations (and many arguments) over them, and even writing fan fiction about them is a lifestyle for these users. Similar accounts are popular as well for other pop musicians, but One Direction fans own the internet. 

In a very terrifying way, fans have the ability to make or break an artist's success. What if something terrible happened or something was said so terrible that all of those girls (and boys) who are dedicated fans turned their back on the group? How long would One Direction last without such popular blogs, constant YouTube views on their music videos, and endless calls requesting the latest single? I can assure you, not very long at all. Without an audience, there is no performance, in most cases. However, since One Direction and Little Mix are groups, they are not solid and never will be. Their fate is unpredictable. Their critics are counting down until the breakup happens. This is why it is imperative for their managements to secure them a spotlight as long as they can. Is One Direction obliged to assist Little Mix with success and popularity just because their beloved member is engaged to the starlet of the girl group? I don't think they are. And if I were a member of Little Mix, I would shut my mouth about the "stupid little Zayn Malik fans". Turning fans against you isn't smart for any artist, especially if those fans' real allegiance lies somewhere else. Some (most) of 1D's female fans are crazy, sending death threats and saying obscene things. This is to be expected when dating one of music's most popular men, however.

Do I believe Zayn Malik, One Direction, and their fans have attributed to Little Mix's success? Definitely. I'm not saying Little Mix owes 1D anything, I'm just suggesting its members should try to focus more on the music and less on the rumours and criticisms.