Music mogul Simon Cowell has revealed that while the One Direction heartthrobs are incredibly successful, he and the Syco team are still 'p**sed off' to think that the boyband didn't win 'The X Factor' during their season.

Speaking to British newspaper Metro, the personality and businessman explained that he's still hurt to think that the stars didn't come out on top while they were on the show because winning 'The X Factor' is like a 'badge of honour':

"Even though One Direction didn't win, whenever we talk about it, we are still p**sed off. It still hurts that we didn't win the competition; you want to be known as X Factor winners. It's a badge of honour."

Cowell, meanwhile, recently praised Directioners around the globe for their enthusiasm over the lads' new effort, 'FOUR', which is available now: "Looking at excitement leading up to the @onedirection album next week. Once again the fans have showed their loyalty and support. Amazing!"

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Watch the band's recent Google Hangout here: