Entertainment

Can Anyone Really #ReplaceZayn?

by Kelsie Gibson

What's that you hear? It's the sound of teenage hearts breaking around the world. Today Directioners are in mourning as news broke that Zayn Malik would be leaving One Direction, effective immediately. Though it doesn't seem that One Direction will be breaking up or, worse, replacing Zayn, this is majorly difficult news to accept. As previously reported, Zayn had already taken a brief hiatus from the group's world tour earlier this month, but this morning he made it apparent via Facebook that his departure was for real this time, saying,

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 rest of the band also commented on the departure, saying while they are sad to see him go, they respect his decision to leave and will continue to remain good friends. While I'm glad to see there are no hard feelings between the boys, I can't help but wonder what this means for the future of One Direction. As for the World Tour the boys plan to continue as a four piece, but what about their next album? While it's obvious no one could actually #replaceZayn in One Direction, here are some artists that could help take the band in a new direction.

Ed Sheeran

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Don't get me wrong, Ed is already super successful in his own right, but having him join 1D for their fifth album would be totally cool. Since he's already written for the boys before, imagine what they could come up with for a full length album.

Nick Jonas

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Another solo artist who could fit the bill, is former Jonas Brothers, Nick. While he might not want to get involved in another boy band, you can't deny he has a lot of experience with screaming girls and soulful tunes.

Ross Lynch

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While this would obviously cause some controversy (since he's already in the band R5) you can't deny Ross would be a really cool addition to One Direction.

Austin Mahone

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Who better to join the group than one of their biggest fans? Even when Harry dissed him back in 2013 for winning VMA's Artist To Watch he assured everyone he was "still a Directioner." Even with a little drama in their past, I'm sure the boys could work out their issues to make some great music.

Cody Simpson

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Well he's definitely got the accent thing going for him, and now that he's no longer signed with Atlantic Records what's stopping him from joining One Direction? And I have to admit, the boy has moves.

Shawn Mendes

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He may not have a British accent, but he is a foreigner. This Canada native is rising to fame with his music career, so why not send it into overdrive? And his guitar and piano skills don't hurt either.

Justin Bieber

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Biebs recently tweeted that he was "getting back to work" with his music career. Could joining One Direction be the comeback Beliebers have been waiting for? He's definitely got that bad boy image like some of the other members.

Images: Getty Images