Zayn Malik, former member of the boy band One Direction, broke millions of teenage hearts when he quit the band nine months ago. Who knew that the rest of the group would break the hearts of all fans when they announced their 18-month break?
Auditioning on the X Factor UK in 2010 as single artists, they unfortunately did not make the cut for solo artists. Simon Cowell, music and television producer, saw potential in the five boys and put them in a group, not knowing they would soon join together and become the world’s biggest English-Irish pop boy band. Cowell also signed with bands like Little Mix and Fifth Harmony. Other famous singers including Emblem3 and Cher Lloyd had previously signed with Cowell’s label.
The group finished third in the seventh series of the X Factor. Signing with Cowell’s record label Syco Records, the boys were shaped into a global supergroup. Since then, they have risen to top singles and albums charts worldwide.
One Direction’s third album ¨Midnight Memories¨ was the biggest selling album worldwide in 2013, even being released late that year in November. After their fourth album ¨Four,¨ the band became the first band in the U.S. to have their first four albums debut at number one. The boys have won five Brit Awards, eleven MTV Europe Awards, seven American Music awards, nineteen Teen Choice Awards and have countless other awards and achievements. They have also made two different movies, ¨One Direction: Where We Are- The Concert Film¨ and ¨One Direction: This is Us.¨ ¨Where we are¨ was released in early October of 2014 and ¨This is Us¨ was released in late August of 2013.
Zayn Malik decided to depart from the band on March 25th of 2015.
Malik said, “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.”
Following this statement, Malik revealed he was going solo.
It was then a surprise to One Direction’s millions of fans when members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne recently announced an 18 month break. At first, the fans were not understanding. They then came to realize that the four boys are well deserved of a break after releasing five albums and going on four tours in a period of only five years.
“So you’re all getting some well deserved time off now, are you looking forward to it, this time off, or is any bit of you quite worried about it, genuinely?” asked James Corden, from the Late Late show, during the Carpool Karaoke with One direction.
“Well obviously it’s quite like a scary thing because we haven’t really stopped for five years, but I think more than anything, we’re gonna miss being on stage and stuff, but obviously we haven’t seen our families so my mom and dad are actually going to live with me for a little bit which is nice that I get to spend some time with them,” said Payne in response to Corden’s question.
“I think it’s gonna be interesting for all of us.” said Tomlinson. “It’s gonna be interesting to see what we, what each of us do as individuals and you know, throughout the break I think it’s gonna be cool.”
The boys recently released their fifth album, ¨Made in the A.M.¨ on November 13. This album was the first album without the former member, Malik. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart with 93,189 copies. On the US Billboard 200, the album debuted at number two with 402,000 copies sold in the first week. The album’s first week’s sale was higher than the previous album, ¨Four.¨ The album was the second fastest selling album in the UK during 2015, passed only by Adele’s new album, ¨25,¨ a week after ¨Made in the A.M.¨ was released.
The band’s last performance was on December 13th on the X Factor UK season final. They performed their new songs “History” and “Infinity” from their new album, Made in the A.M., on the same stage as they first auditioned on back in 2010.
“Well, this takes me back to five years ago when I met five guys, singing as solo artists,” said Cowell, “then I never could have predicted what happened next. I know you’re gonna take a break, you deserve it. I want to take a chance now to say, thank you, you’ve been an absolute pleasure to work with. Five of the nicest guys I ever met. Enjoy the time off, have a fantastic time.”
It was a very emotional night, not only for One Direction and Cowell, but also for all of their fans, knowing this may be the last time they see the boys for 18 months.
“To you, you have changed our lives and no words will ever be good enough to thank you for what we have done together. You are the greatest team mates we have ever known. Thank you,” Styles tweeted after their last performance.
“Well that was an emotional night! Never can we thank you enough for how special you have made the last five years for us! I hope you realise what we have all done together is really incredible. You guys have made us what we are today! We’ll be back soon enough!,” tweeted Tomlinson.
The band and their fans have accomplished what they have because they have done it together. Fans remain hopeful that the band will return stronger and bigger than ever in just 18 months time.
The question is, will all of their fans continue to show their love and dedication to the band even while they are on break? Will One Direction’s 18 month break make them stronger? Or will these 18 months drag them down?
