The Wanted: Did You Know?
Fun Facts & Untold Stories About The Wanted
The Wanted, known for their infectious pop hits like "Glad You Came" and "Chasing the Sun," quickly rose to international stardom in the early 2010s. Though they’re often celebrated for their catchy tunes and fun-loving personas, there’s much more to this boy band than meets the eye. Let’s dive into some fun facts and little-known stories about The Wanted that might surprise even their most loyal fans.
1. How the Band Was Formed: A Reality Show-Like Audition
Unlike many boy bands, The Wanted wasn’t formed by friends who knew each other from school or local music scenes. Instead, they came together through a series of mass auditions, organized by Jayne Collins, the same talent manager responsible for groups like The Saturdays. Thousands of hopefuls auditioned, but eventually, Max George, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, and Tom Parker were selected for their distinctive talents. Little did they know that this casting would lead to massive success worldwide.
2. Max George Almost Had a Football Career
Before joining The Wanted, Max George was on track to become a professional footballer. He played for Preston North End, a football club in England, and had dreams of going pro. However, after suffering a series of injuries, he decided to leave football behind and pursue music. It turned out to be a wise decision, as he quickly found his calling as a member of The Wanted!
3. Siva’s Modeling Days
Before making it big in music, Siva Kaneswaran was a successful model. He was discovered at age 16 and appeared in campaigns for major brands like Next and Marks & Spencer. His good looks and charisma caught the attention of casting agents for The Wanted, and though he had no formal singing experience, he was chosen for his potential. Siva’s transition from the runway to the stage was seamless, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his distinctive voice and charm.
4. Nathan Sykes Started Singing at Age 6
Nathan Sykes, the youngest member of The Wanted, was something of a child prodigy. He began singing at just six years old and participated in various competitions and shows as a child. His mother was a music teacher, and his early exposure to music helped him develop his powerful vocals. By the time he was 16 and auditioning for The Wanted, he was already a seasoned performer with impressive vocal chops that would help define the band’s sound.
5. The Rivalry with One Direction
When The Wanted and One Direction were both dominating the charts in the early 2010s, fans often pitted the two bands against each other. There were some real tensions between the groups as well. The feud escalated when Max George and Zayn Malik engaged in a public Twitter spat, trading insults and banter. Despite the rivalry, many fans supported both bands, and over time, the tension faded as both groups focused on their own careers. Today, the “boy band wars” of that era are mostly seen with nostalgia and humor.
6. Jay McGuiness Won "Strictly Come Dancing"
After The Wanted went on hiatus, Jay McGuiness pursued a new passion: ballroom dancing! In 2015, he participated in the British TV show Strictly Come Dancing, the UK’s version of Dancing with the Stars. Jay surprised everyone with his impressive dance skills and went on to win the competition alongside his partner Aliona Vilani. His victory added another layer to his multifaceted talent and expanded his fanbase beyond music.
7. Their Unexpected Breakthrough in the US
Though The Wanted were already popular in the UK, their breakthrough in the US came in an unexpected way. In 2011, their single "Glad You Came" was featured in an episode of the hit TV show Glee. The exposure introduced them to a massive American audience, and the song became a summer anthem, climbing the Billboard Hot 100 to reach No. 3. The Glee boost helped them tour the US and solidify their status as international pop stars.
8. Tom Parker’s Secret Acting Ambitions
Tom Parker wasn’t just passionate about music—he also had a strong interest in acting. After the band’s hiatus, he took part in several reality TV shows, including The Jump (a British celebrity ski-jumping competition). Tom was even cast in a production of Grease as Danny Zuko, a role that he had long dreamed of playing. His ability to balance music, acting, and TV appearances made him a dynamic force in the entertainment world.
9. The Band Took an Extended Hiatus for Personal Growth
After several years of non-stop touring and recording, The Wanted announced an extended hiatus in 2014. Each member had different reasons for taking a break—some wanted to explore solo music projects, while others, like Nathan and Siva, focused on personal development. The hiatus allowed each of them to pursue their individual dreams while giving them time to recover from the pressures of being in a globally successful band.
10. Nathan Sykes’ Near-Debut in a Girl Band
Before Nathan Sykes joined The Wanted, he almost became part of a girl group—kind of! At 14, he auditioned for "Britain’s Got Talent" and performed alongside three girls in a group called "Addictiv Ladies." They didn’t win, but it was an important stepping stone for Nathan, who later found his true place in The Wanted. It’s fun to imagine what would have happened if Nathan had stayed in a group of mostly girls!
While The Wanted captured hearts with their catchy hits, their journey is filled with unique stories of personal growth, unexpected career paths, and creative ventures. From their rivalries with other boy bands to their individual successes outside of music, The Wanted has proven that they are more than just a pop group—they’re talented individuals with wide-ranging abilities. As fans eagerly await future reunions and new music, it’s clear that The Wanted’s legacy will continue to grow.
One of The Wanted's most meaningful lyrics comes from their hit song "Gold Forever":
"We'll look back and remember tonight for the rest of our lives."
This lyric resonates deeply with fans because it captures the essence of living in the moment, cherishing memories, and holding onto special experiences. It’s about the timelessness of certain memories, celebrating friendship, love, and the fleeting nature of life. The song was also used for charity in support of Comic Relief, which adds even more emotional weight to the lyrics.