Aside from a tragic few success stories, television talent competition shows don’t typically result in finding the “next big thing,” but they can be a step in the right direction. Take UK boy band One Direction for example. When Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson (ages 18-20—Jesus Christ, we feel old) auditioned for the UK X Factor in 2010 as solo artists, show creator, judge and noted grumpy-pants Simon Cowell suggested they join forces to become an all powerful boy band. The results garnered the youngins epic success and more female fans than you'll ever be able to imagine—and members of the band aren't even old enough to drink in America yet. Meanwhile, we're left pondering our own direction in life while screaming obscenities at the sky
Sun., June 17, 7:30 p.m., 2012
