One Direction have become the first ever UK group to debut at the top of the US album chart. Their album, Up All Night, sold a staggering 176,000 in it's first week of release. The group were formed during the 2010 series of the X-Factor in the UK and have rapidly rose to stardom on both sides of the Atlantic. Comparisons have been drawn in many circles between One Direction and The Beatles, who themselves saw an unprecented wave of acclaim in the United States in the 1960's. In addition to success in the US billboard album chart, One Direction also spent time at No. 1 in the US iTunes chart as well. There have also been rumours this week that One Direction, known as 1D by their fans, are in talks to create a TV show on the Nickelodeon network. The boys have, however, thus far denied the claims stating they want to continue to focus their efforts on music - for now, at least. Madonna's new album, M.D.N.A. is due for release on March 27th and is expected to run the British boy band close for next week's chart top spot. Would you like to write about One Direction on WhatCulture? Get in touch today to become a contributor.