Final answer:
One Direction was signed to Syco Music, owned by Simon Cowell, after their success on The X Factor. They became a highly successful boy band with a global fan base.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major record label that One Direction were signed to is Syco Music, which is owned by Simon Cowell. This label is famous for signing artists that have appeared on talent shows like
The X Factor, which is where One Direction was formed and gained their initial popularity. Post their appearance on the show, One Direction's music career took off, and they quickly became one of the most successful boy bands in history, with a massive fan base and numerous hit songs.