The Rose Bowl was invaded last night by not one, but three British acts. One Direction, supported by English bands Five Seconds of Summer and Jamie Scott, launched the American leg of their Where We Are tour--and did not disappoint. 

Full disclosure: I was not a 1D fan when I entered the stadium. Truth be told, the volume of the bass (which shook my rib cage it was so aggressive) deterred me from sticking around. But after an hour and change with Harry, Niall, Zayn, Liam and Louis, I get it. 

First off, the boys are actually talented. Each of them can hold their own vocally, and Niall plays guitar as well. Throughout the show, Niall was drumming along to the beat and riffing with the guitar player, demonstrating an understanding and interest in the musicality of their songs. 

READ MORE: True Life: I Went To A One Direction Concert

Second, the band has excellent showmanship. The boys were dancing goofing around and having a visibly good time. Each member took turns speaking to the audience in between songs. The songs, strung together with these interludes, took the audience on an emotional journey. From the highs, jumping around to hits like "What Makes You Beautiful" and the slower times, when the band asked the audience to put their cell phone flashes on and up in the air, the energy in the stadium was contagious. 

Third, the show was just plain fun. The stadium was outfitted with a rising stage (from which the band performed "Alive"). Fireworks went off throughout the show, culminating in a finale of fireworks at the end. The visuals were quality as well, with live videos of the performers interplayed with animations. Audience members' faces were flashed up onto the screen throughout the night. 

No, the band is not hard on the eyes. Yes, there were mothers in the audience screaming, dancing, and standing up on their chairs to get a better peek at Harry Styles (and hoping to get his attention, and perhaps, his number). It's as if the fandom is contagious, and I'd be lying if I didn't feel a tinge of it coming on while on the floor of the giant arena. 

The band played their hits "Story of My Life", "One Thing", "What Makes You Beautiful" and "Best Song Ever," as well other favorites such as "Moments", "Little White Lies" "Strong" and "Live While We're Young". In the middle of the show, the band was introduced and the guitarist, bassist, keyboardist and drummer got little solos to covers of songs. Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" was among those played, while the band sang it for a 30-second spot.

The British pop/rock group consists of Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. The band formed on the 2010 season of the X-Factor, paired together by Simon Cowell. By June 2012, the band was worth $50 million. Their first American tour, the Up All Night Tour, took place in mid-2012. Each of their first three albums hit number one on Billboard Top 100. Their fourth album, "Four," is being released later this year. 

One Direction recently released their new single "Fireproof" for free for 24 hours. 

The first opening act, Jamie Scott, has written songs on every One Direction album. He performed three of his own songs: "Free", "Gold", and "Unbreakable". The adorable Brit is an equally wonderful performer and songwriter. He will be returning to Los Angeles, headlining at the Troubadour on November 10. 

Five Seconds of Summer played their hits "Amnesia" and "She Looks So Perfect," as well as a cover of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream". The band will also be returning to LA later this year at the Forum. 

The British Invasion was further bolstered by music videos from two other British acts, Little Mix and Olly Murs. These were played in between bands.

This was the first of three nights that One Direction will be performing to a sold-out crowd at the iconic Pasadena, Calif. stadium. 

Reach Staff Reporter Kylie Nicholson here.