Simon Cowell on Zayn Malik One Direction exit: I saw it coming

MANILA, Philippines – When asked where music producer Simon Cowell was upon receiving the news of former One Direction member Zayn Malik’s exit, he replied jokingly, “About to jump off a cliff.”

In an interview on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Simon opened up about Zayn’s exit: “I kinda knew this was coming, if I could be honest with you. We had a few conversations, and he wasn’t happy.” 

Simon said he told Zayn to stay around a bit longer, but then “something in him [Zayn] said, ‘I’ve had enough.’” (READ: Zayn Malik on leaving One Direction: ‘I feel like I’m doing what’s right’)

Suspicions about Zayn’s future with the band popped up when he suddenly quit the Asian leg of the band’s On The Road Again tour because of stress.

Ultimately, he announced his exit from the band on March 26 because he wanted time to rest, leaving fans heartbroken. 

Simon said he felt very confident about the now 4-member boy band, and that he respected Zayn’s choice to leave. “They were – I’ve got to hand it to them – incredible to work everything out so quickly. I have a feeling they’re going to deliver this year the best record they’ve ever made. I’m feeling good.” (READ: Zayn Malik in One Direction: 5 unforgettable moments)

Remaining members Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson will soon resume the European leg of the tour starting June 5. (READ: One Direction members speak up about Zayn Malik’s departure)

Zayn at the Asian Music Awards

Weeks after his departure from the band, he was seen at the 2015 Asian Awards held at the London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, reported The BBC.

Zayn Malik meeting Fans pic.twitter.com/7CFXlgEPkw

— The Asian Awards (@TheAsianAwards) April 17, 2015

Our Outstanding Achievement in Music winner @zaynmalik with his lovely mother… Congrats Zayn… pic.twitter.com/nkJfBSwQRO

— The Asian Awards (@TheAsianAwards) April 18, 2015

Zayn sported a shaved ‘do as he accepted his award for Outstanding Achievement in Music. In his acceptance speech, he said he was honored to be surrounded by people he’s idolized over the years, and thanked former bandmates One Direction as well.  

The award was presented to him by friend and music producer Naughty Boy. (READ: Listen to Zayn Malik’s new demo song) – Rappler.com

More One Direction on Rappler here:

Zayn Malik:

• Listen to Zayn Malik’s new demo song
• Zayn Malik on leaving One Direction: ‘I feel like I’m doing what’s right’
• One Direction members speak up about Zayn Malik’s departure
• Zayn Malik in One Direction: 5 unforgettable moments
• CONFIRMED: Zayn Malik leaves One Direction
• In tweets: Fans react to news that Zayn Malik is leaving One Direction
• PH fans react to news that Zayn Malik won’t come to Manila
• Zayn Malik of One Direction will not perform in Manila concert

One Direction in Jakarta:

• IN PHOTOS: One Direction in Jakarta

One Direction in Manila:

Day 2

• IN PHOTOS: One Direction’s last night in Manila
• Highlights: Day 2, One Direction in Manila concert

Day 1

• IN PHOTOS: One Direction in Manila concert, day 1
• Watch clips from One Direction live in Manila, day 1

Arrival

• One Direction arrives in Manila

Other news:

• One Direction’s Niall Horan caddies for Rory McIlroy at Masters
• One Direction plays on in South Africa as fans mourn Zayn Malik’s exit
• One Direction pays ‘marijuana bond’ to Philippines – govt
• One Direction concert organizers must pay cash bond for 1D to perform
• Two members of One Direction caught smoking on video
• One Direction to perform in Manila in 2015