1D vs. JB: The Battle of the Fandoms

Kathleen Catamisan and Nicole Vela

Friday the 13th, the day two different worlds clashed. Justin Bieber and One Direction decided to drop their albums on the same day, but whose will be more successful? With the dedication of both fandoms, it’s hard to determine who will be on top. The battle between Directioners and Beliebers is on.

Despite the departure of the band’s fifth member, Zayn Malik, the One Direction fandom has been stronger than ever. The Directioners are determined to lead One Direction’s album on top to prove their loyalty. But the Beliebers are just as devoted to get their idol to the top. Justin Bieber’s two year absence has led many others to wonder if he will come back as powerful as he once was.

Justin Bieber’s been in and out of the spotlight for almost two years now. But on Friday, he will officially release his new album, Purpose. Throughout the Bieber drought, many of his fans remained loyal. Now that new music is coming their way, Beliebers will do anything to prove that Justin is back to reclaim his throne. Many of our own students believe that Bieber will prevail. Junior, Katherine L. believes that more people will choose Justin “because people are giving him a second chance”. In addition, junior Kevin C. believes that “unlike One Direction, [Justin’s] songs are usually on the radio”.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons license.

One Direction announced that they are going on a two year hiatus, giving them more reason to leave with a bang. Their new album “Made in the A.M.” was only written in a month but is said to be their absolute best – lyrically and musically. Directioners are skeptical about the outcome of the album since there will be a certain voice missing that used to be there before. This hasn’t stopped them from promoting One Direction’s new album immensely. Even Aviators have faith in the band. Junior, Hayley O., has confidence that One Direction will be number one because “their fanbase has fallen apart emotionally so they’ll try anything”. Ms. Sharpe also believes the band’s new album will do better than Bieber’s because “One Direction seem sweet and are nice boys”.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons license.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons license.

As for One Direction and Bieber, they seem to see it as a game. After Bieber uploaded a video on Snapchat saying “That face you make when you come out with an album the same day as Justin Bieber…”, Tomlinson cheekily responded with a snapchat video of his own: “That face you pull when you’re playing the last night at the O2”. Spicy! This rivalry only heats up the war between their two fanbases. Who will get their fav’s album to number one?