‘The X Factor’ UK: Simon Cowell reacts to Zayn Malik’s exit from One Direction

If there is one person who has been there in some form almost every step of the way for One Direction, it is Simon Cowell. This is a man who saw the group start off on “The X Factor” as a group of ordinary guys with little relation to each other, and eventually helped to transform it into one of the biggest bands on the planet. Their talent, style, and personality were the largest contributing factors; what Simon did so well was place them in the right spots, and get the right people around them to ensure that they would be definite hitmakers.

When you consider his role as a record executive, it is far from an understatement to say that many distraught fans were probably looking to Simon yesterday to offer up some sort of guidance or reassurance about the future of the group following Zayn Malik’s sudden departure. They are in somewhat-uncharted waters as a four-piece group, and the timing of Zayn’s exit is even more unusual when you remember that they are all on a world tour at the moment.

At first, many One Direction fans reacted to Zayn’s departure yesterday with anger, though to be very many of them would have lashed out regardless of what he said. It’s mostly because of the situation more so than anything else. People become invested in their idols, especially now in the social media age where you can see and read about almost everything. This need for privacy is one of the reasons that Zayn decided to leave in the first place.

Ultimately, we do not envision this group going anywhere at all in the near future. They remain very popular, and they also still have four people who have enormous followings in their own right. While it may not be the same, it could still be pretty special.

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