One Direction Beat Justin Bieber To '21 Under 21' Title

They top Billboard Magazine's annual countdown

Published 26th Sep 2013

One Direction have been named the most powerful music act under the age of 21!

American magazine Billboard has published its annual 21 Under 21 list which recognises the achievements of artists yet to reach the legal drinking age Stateside.

Despite the fact that Louis Tomlinson isn’t under 21 (in fact, he’s nearly 22!), One Direction have triumphed ahead of last year’s winner Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus in third.

Explaining why One Direction took the crown, the magazine wrote: “The lads have exploded with the force of a supernova, becoming an inescapable pop phenomenon that's hot enough to incinerate any obstacle in its universe.”

The countdown is based on record sales, social networking figures, tickets sales and other figures.

Other acts inside the top 21 include Cher Lloyd, Ariana Grande, Lorde, Austin Mahone, Earl Sweatshirt and Mindless Behavior.

Billboard's 21 Under 21 countdown is as follows:

  1. One Direction 2. Justin Bieber 3. Miley Cyrus 4. Ariana Grande 5. Earl Sweatshirt 6. Lorde 7. Austin Mahone 8. Scotty McCreery 9. Cody Simpson 10. Emblem3 11. Cher Lloyd 12. Chief Keef 13. Bridgit Mendler 14. Miguelito 15. Joey Bada$$ 16. Tori Kelly 17. Martin Garrix 18. Mindless Behaviour 19. Matty B 20. Lee Hi 21. Fifth Harmony

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