One Direction Claim They Would Be Criminals If Not For Simon Cowell, Band Planning To Collaborate With Justin Timberlake?

British boy band One Direction has claimed that they would have been living a criminal life if they had not been discovered by X Factor executive and entrepreneur Simon Cowell.

"I would be struggling my way through education or a life of crime," said One Direction band member, Louis Tomlinson to the Metro.

One Direction is said to be worth more than $150 million and they said that if the band did not become a reality they would be struggling with education and finding jobs.

"I would have been a university, and a life of crime as well,' joked Niall Horan, who believes he too would have had a tough time.

While Liam Payne said, "If One Direction never happened I would be working in a factory or be a fireman."

Payne adds that nothing has changed back home, "Everyone back home treats us the same, we just go back and hang out with our family," he said.

Tomlinson also added that they have not lost themselves in the showbiz so the band members are very down to earth.

"I think it's because we have remained true to ourselves. Nothing has changed with us as people so people at home see us the same," Tomlinson said.

The boy band was awarded the Global Success award at the BRIT Awards, Feb. 20.

Are One Direction Planning To Collaborate With Justin Timberlake?

Justin Timberlake's come-back performance has thrilled everyone. Now One Direction wants to collaborate with the singer for their next record, as they watched the former 'Nsync star, Timberlake give a stunning performance.

"Justin Timberlake... I don't care if he's not our (style) of music but I would love to collaborate with him," said Liam Payne to MTV.

Timberlake gave his first live performance of his new song, "Mirrors."