Ashley
When Louis Tomlinson and Steve Aoki debuted ‘Just Hold On’ just days ago on iTunes before performing it live that same day on The X Factor stage; they couldn’t have anticipated the reaction it would get all around the world. The song is a show of love for Louis’ mom Johannah, who passed away from Leukemia on December 7th, and both fans of One Direction and non-fans alike found themselves doing everything possible to get the song everywhere.
There were hashtags on twitter and Instagram, blog posts on Tumblr and status updates on Facebook. There were 8 and 18 hour playlists made on Spotify and there were charity drives plugged in as well, every day there was something that was driving positivity and love to Louis, Steve, and Johannah. Some days, it was Steve himself.
Steve came into Louis’ life and without realizing it at the time, because a source of comfort. After Johannah’s passing, Steve did everything he could to help make the song something bigger than just a project he enjoyed working on. From pinning posts to his artist page to telling Louis he was incredibly strong and thanking 1D fans for their love and support; it was obvious how important the tune was, and is, to him as well.
Today, The Official Chart announced that ‘Just Hold On’ not even an entire week from its release date, debuted at number 2 which is just indescribable. The emotional X Factor performance and the passion from Louis and Steve made the tune more than just a song; it’s an emotional experience, it’s a love letter, it’s something incredible.
While number 2 is an accomplishment, fans are already gunning to continue the effort, keep streaming, and get the song to number 1 next week for Louis, a week that will be unspeakably hard on the Tomlinson-Deakin family.
Earlier this week, Dan took to social media via Jay’s account and told fans “thank you” from her one last time, and the selflessness and grace she lived with is sorely missed by millions already; but none more than her beautiful children and husband.
With Louis’ birthday and Christmas being days away, there’s no better time than now to keep getting those plays up, buy the song, gift the song, stream playlists, request it at your local radio stations, and join social media hashtags to spread the word.
Also, be proud of yourselves; what was done for Louis in a matter of days on fan merit alone is legendary, and he deserves no less. The love and support he is feeling, especially now, means more than ever – as it does to Steve. He said that he and Louis are brothers now, and well, we don’t think a better person could have been part of this journey with Louis.
To find out more ways to get involved; check out #ProjectJustHoldOn hashtags on Twitter and follow the accounts behind the charity drives and planning. There will undoubtedly be more done this week and it’s never too late to get involved.
To Steve and Louis, congratulations and thank you for the honesty and the feeling in ‘Just Hold On’ – you’ve done something beautiful, Johannah has to be looking at you both with love in her eyes every step of the way.
