Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pop heartthrobs One Direction did the double as they climbed straight to the summit of the singles and albums charts.
The English-Irish boyband have gone from strength to strength since finishing third in X Factor in 2010 and this week they scored their first ever number one album with Take Me Home.
It meant that golden oldies Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones had to settle for silver and bronze with Merry Christmas Baby and Grrr.
And after cracking America and headlining Children in Need, the 1D boys continued on the up and up as their newly released ballad "Little Things" beat Bruno Mars tune "Locked Out Of Heaven" to the top of the singles list.
It becomes their second ever chart-topping single after debut release "What Makes You Beautiful" reached number one in September last year.
Also flying the X Factor flag high, last year's winners Little Mix went straight to number three with new song "DNA".
"Little Things" writer Ed Sheeran also had plenty to be happy about, as the ginger singer-songwriter's "Give Me Love" leapt from number 139 to number 18 to make him this week's fastest climber.
Other new entries in this week's singles chart included McFly's "Love Is Easy" at number 10, taken from their upcoming Best Of collection, Memory Lane.
The track became the pop rockers' 20th Top 40 hit, which includes an impressive total of seven number ones.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
One Direction's double whammy was the second in so many weeks after Robbie Williams pulled off the same feat last Sunday with single "Candy" and album Take The Crown.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments