One Direction’s ‘SNL’ Performance Keeps Us Up All Night

Idolator Staff | April 7, 2012 10:48 pm

There is little doubt that hordes of One Direction fans stayed up past their bedtimes (or even, ahem, up all night) to see the UK quintet’s big Saturday Night Live performance, and it was likely well worth sacrificing their beauty sleep. Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis elevated their standard prep-school wardrobe to a sort of post-prom style for their performance of their smash “What Makes You Beautiful”, but looked anything but stiff as they bounded to every corner of the stage. It was clearly a big moment — you’d expect this one to earn a chapter in Dare To Dream, right? Catch their live rendition of “One Thing” — and the boys’ skit with host Sofia Vergara — below.

1D, who made chart history with the #1 debut of their first album, Up All Night, exuded plenty of energy in their two performances (unlike certain other recent emerging artists to enjoy the SNL spotlight. Looking at you, Lana Del Rey). Of course, it’s easier to jump around when you’re singing to a backing track.

One Direction, “One Thing”

Their appearance alone clearly sent their fans into a frenzy (even if said fans’ parents were also famous. Country star Martina McBride, noting her teen-age daughter’s reaction, tweeted: “According to Emma The Beatles were just on Ed Sullivan for the 1st time. Oh wait. No. That was One Direction on SNL. :)”

The quintent also gamely joined in an SNL skit, in which Fred Armisen appeared as the host of the fictional Manuel Ortiz Show to assist “Yolanda” (played by Vergara) re-connect with her birth mother. The boys switched their GQ style for something a little more garish (including fake mustaches). When it is revealed that their father is sleeping with their grandmother, they react in unison: “Gross!”

The only question now is: how long will One Direction’s show go on? Let us know what you thought of their performances on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments.