‘The X Factor’ UK: Zayn Malik leaves One Direction after five years with band
Given that One Direction is undoubtedly the most famous act to ever come from “The X Factor” franchise, they have had a very easy but interesting story to watch unfold over the years. These boys were not a group at the time in which they first auditioned, and this ultimately showed itself to be a rather fascinating character study in seeing just how a story would go for people who were discovered on TV, and almost immediately went from being nobodies in the public eye to being international stars.
Ultimately, some were able to handle certain pressures of the group more than others, which is why Zayn Malik announced today that he is leaving the group after five years. We really don’t blame him at all, given that many music groups only last thing long, and at a certain point you have to realize what is best for you. If he realized that he wanted some peace and quiet, we cannot blame him.
At first, Zayn is not going to have that. Instead, the media will scrutinize him more than ever, but that could change over time if he just manages to lay low.
In a statement today, Malik had the following to say about the decision:
“My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”
The other members of the badn will continue to tour around the world, and they have been performing without Zayn recently in the first place.
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