ONE DIRECTION & BIG TIME RUSH IN TORONTO AT AIR CANADA CENTRE

One Direction at Air Canada Centre - February 2012

The Girls went crazy tonight at Air Canada Centre with the merging of two super-hot Boy Bands in one compact Show.  British Boy Band One Direction whose rise to fame has been meteoric since 2010 when they first surfaced on The X Factor in the U.K., originally were meant only to be an Opening Act for Big Time Rush.  The latter, comprised of four Actor/Singers who based on the success of their Nickelodeon TV Series of the same name, have gone on to achieve major success south of the Border also as Recording Artists, wound-up sharing headlining responsibilities with their British mates.  By the Show's start time, it was clear which Band had won the hearts of young Toronto Women with One Direction Tour Merchandise cleared off-the-racks completely and screams heard at a deafening pitch when the Quintet arrived punctually on-stage at 7:30 PM.

Hot off the success of their BRIT Awards win last week in the category of Best British Single with What Makes You Beautiful, One Direction celebrated their Victory to happy cheers from the crowd, who for the first time tonight, were graced by the Band's presence in Toronto.  Performing a fantastic version of Kings of Leon's Use Somebody and zipping through hits like One Thing and Album Title Track, Up All Night, their energy was absolutely infectious despite performing only to Backing Tracks - no bells and whistles.  The only complaint that could be heard among the sold-out crowd was that their 30-minute Set was far too short.  Forgivable I suppose, considering that their stateside Debut Up All Night won't be in-stores till March 13, 2012 via Sony Music Canada.

Although there was much debate to why Big Time Rush was in fact the Show's Headliner when One Direction seemingly is just as (maybe even more) popular in these parts, the Quartet proved why they are Stars.  Their Set highlighting material from their two Discs B.T.R. and Elevate respectively, was tight and their bright vocals sounded pristine, supported by an actual Live Band.  All the while, they showed-off some demanding Choreography which saw them bouncing off a Trampoline at points and sliding down poles.

Although a fraction of One Direction Fans left during Big Time Rush's Performance, many were retained and thrilled.  Although unfamiliar with their Catalogue, I found myself enjoying their Performance including my favourites, No Idea and Music Sounds Better With U - the latter which expands upon Stardust's Music Sounds Better With You.  Their latest effort Elevate is now in-stores, also via Sony Music Canada.

Earlier in the evening I got to meet Opening Act, 15-year-old Jackson Guthy who got his big break last year when invited to perform on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Showing much potential, he had the Crowd on their feet, giving them a brief taste of what he has to offer - a bit of melodic R&B-tinged Pop-Rock.

Sshockingly, I was stopped multiple times today for Autographs (I signed my first wallet today!) and Photos with Readers, even while I was watching the Show. I'm genuinely touched and humbled by your support and feel so validated when I see your faces, so please continue saying "hi" and don't be shy!

Check out some more Photos below:

Big Time Rush at Air Canada Centre

Jackson Guthy at Air Canada Centre

Watch One Direction perform What Makes You Beautiful live here:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will-W. | Audio content: Sony Music)