Who hasn't heard of One Direction? The five-member UK boy band sensation that met on The X Factor in 2010 soon after took the world by storm - releasing five commercially successful albums, performing on four worldwide tours, and winning numerous awards. But when Irish member Niall James Horan, often overlooked in the shadows of Zayn Malik and Harry Styles, began his solo artist career in 2016, not everyone was confidant that he would make it on his own. Those doubts have now been put to rest. After three released singles and his debut album last month, the fan votes have spoken - on Sunday night the American Music Awards recognized Niall as the New Artist of the Year.
Niall received more votes than fellow nominees James Arthur, Julia Michaels, Post Malone, and Rae Sremmurd.
It's a bit of a big deal.
"This is his first solo award!!! So proud."
Like a really, REALLY, big deal.
"WHEN NIALL WON I GOT OUT OF SEAT AND JUMPED LIKE THATS MY MAN ON STAGE YALL."
Obviously, Niall's fans are ecstatic.
"AND NIALL WON. I've been a Niall girl since One Direction and I'm emotional."
"I’M SO PROUD OF HIM. only old school 1D fans know what i’m talking about. this is amazing. he’s amazing."
"NIALL WON BEST NEW ARTIST ITS WHAT HE DESERVES."
"So happy for @NiallOfficial - what an incredible year. I’m so delighted for him."
And what a year it has been for Niall Horan.
Not everyone believed he could do it; that the fans would accept him sans Harry and Zayn. But that didn't stop Niall, and it is now safe to say that he will do more than just alright on his own.
Canadian fashion magazine Flare, or at least their social media manager, is a fan as well: "Music critics doubted Niall would be able to succeed vocally without One Direction. This Ireland cutie just proved them all wrong. Way too proud! "
"Imma be honest, I thought Zayn or Harry Styles would be more successful... but it's Niall Horan!!! I'm shooketh, he proved us all wrong."
"niall came out here being one of the most under appreciated members of 1d to becoming the most liked by the general public and winning amas 2017 best new artist of the year"
Niall is thankful to all those who believed in him.
He recognizes that the award is in his hands only because of his fans' votes.
"Amazing! Thank you so much for voting for me. Really appreciate the love and support. Thank you @AMAs"
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