X Factor UK Headlines for 03/29/15

Zayn Malik left One Direction, but there is no escaping from Uncle Si. Host Dermot O’Leary left X Factor before he could get fired. Daily Star claims Louis Walsh is next on the chopping block, but reported replacement Robbie Williams says he is too busy.

Zayn Malik’s Solo Plans, One Direction’s Future Course: Inside the Band’s Sony Contract
Three days into a four-person tour, two hours after playing to a stadium of 43,000 fans in Jakarta and just eight minutes past midnight, One Direction made an announcement that would send millions of teenagers into hysterics. Zayn Malik was leaving the band “to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight,” as the singer said in an official statement on March 25.

Malik’s departure didn’t come as a complete surprise (he had announced a brief hiatus from the band’s current tour on March 19 due to “stress”), nor is it unprecedented (the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys both had members exit at the height of their popularity). But it’s a troubling sign that even 1D’s record-breaking four-year run may soon come to an end after its current stadium tour (it wraps in the United Kingdom on Oct. 31) and upcoming fifth album (expected in the fourth quarter through Syco/Columbia). It also brings into question Malik’s contractual status as one-fifth of the X Factor U.K.-born prefab group.

Richard Griffiths, One Direction’s manager at London-based Modest Management, confirms to Billboard that “nothing changes on the tour,” which will spend two months and 25 dates in North America starting July 9. That’s good news for promoters Live Nation and Creative Artists Agency, as 1D finished 2014 as the top touring act in the world with total gross ticket sales of more than $290 million and attendance of 3,439,560 from 69 shows reported to Billboard Boxscore. Reps for the band and labels Columbia and Syco declined further comment.
Read more: Billboard

‘He made it clear Zayn would stay a Syco artist’: Simon Cowell’s record label ‘will release ex-One Direction star’s new music’
Zayn Malik’s new solo material will reportedly be released with Simon Cowell’s record label.

Syco, which already owns the rights to distributing One Direction music, is said to have secured an agreement with the former member who had left the band’s contract early.

1D were believed to have signed a new £10 million deal in 2013 to produce two more albums and a Greatest Hits, but with Zayn’s announcement it seems Simon doesn’t want to lose out on his investment.

An insider told The Sun: ‘Simon was very understanding about him leaving the band but quickly made it clear he would stay a Syco artist for his future projects.

‘He’ll now be able to make sure any releases are timed so they don’t clash with anything by One Direction.
Read more: Daily Mail

Zayn Malik’s solo music will have a ‘slowed down, sexual vibe’ and it’ll blow your mind apparently
Yesterday, the day after he sensationally quit One Direction, Zayn Malik was seen heading to a recording studio.

Fans were left confused because he had claimed he just wanted to be a ‘normal 22-year-old’ but has since admitted he will be making solo music at some point.

Now a source has said Zayn is VERY clear about what sort of tunes he’s planning on making and apparently they will have a “slowed down, sexual vibe”. Blimey.
Read more: Daily Mirror

Zayn Malik continues to keep a low profile as he swiftly exits his home… days after shocking departure from One Direction
It’s been a dramatic few days for Zayn Malik, who denied allegations of cheating on his fiancée Perrie Edwards, left One Direction’s tour of Asia and sensationally quit the chart-topping boy band.

And on Friday, the 22-year-old singer kept a low profile as he stepped out of his London home after enjoying some family time with his sisters.

With his hair in a topknot, the bearded heart-throb donned a denim jacket and carried a monochrome patterned backpack as he made a swift dash from his abode to a waiting vehicle.
Read more: Daily Mail

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: So much for the simple life! Zayn Malik visits recording studio with Naughty Boy… after quitting One Direction to be ‘a normal 22-year-old’
He walked away from chart toppers One Direction because, in his own words, he wanted to be a regular 22-year-old.

But on Saturday afternoon Zayn Malik confirmed persistent rumours that he has teamed up with hit producer Naughty Boy during an apparent break at a London recording studio.

The singer, whose first appearance at the studio came just 24-hours after his shock departure from the boy band, was joined by the producer on a studio stairwell, where they idled close to an open window.
Read more: Daily Mail

Those Around Zayn Malik ‘Feel a Bit Misled’ About His Departure from One Direction: Source
That was quick.

Just a day after Zayn Malik announced that he was quitting One Direction because he wanted “to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight,” the singer was spotted walking into a recording studio on Thursday.

And that has fans and those around Malik feeling more than a little confused about his real reasons for leaving the band.

“He told everyone in the band and management that he wants to live a normal life and the next thing you know he’s going into music studios and doing interviews with tabloids,” a source close to the band tells PEOPLE.
Read more: PEOPLE

‘He didn’t mention that he had a fiancée’: Swedish model Martina Olsson claims ‘Zayn Malik cheated on Perrie Edwards after bedding her TWICE in Thailand’
Swedish model, Martina Olsson, has claimed that Zayn Malik cheated on his fiancée Perrie Edwards with her while One Direction toured in Thailand last week, telling her, ‘I want you now.’

The club promoter insists that she bedded the former 1D star twice after partying together at the same nightclub where he was pictured holding hands with Essex Girl Lauren Richardson.

Speaking to The Sun On Sunday, Martina said: ‘He didn’t mention anything to me about having a fiancée. He was really flirtatious’.
Read more: Daily Mail

One Direction plan NEW album and live shows after loss of Zayn
1D are already plotting a career redirection after Zayn Malik’s departure.

The remaining quartet have three more shows before a two month break during which they will thrash out their future.

Harry, 21, above, Louis, 23, Liam and Niall (both 21) are totally committed to making a new album.

A source close to the band told me: “They were due to start recording their fifth album next month and that hasn’t changed.

“Now they are all 21 they see it as opportunity to make a more mature musical statement.

If this is the last album they want to make a record that defines them.” At least the boys are on the same page musically.

Zayn, 22, was the band’s biggest urban fan while the others prefer guitar pop.

The source added: “Ed Sheeran will contribute material to the new album again, as will more adult rockers The Cribs, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy and The Madden Brothers.”

There will also be changes to 1D’s On The Road again world tour before the restart in Cardiff on June 5. I’m told: “The show is already workable for a four piece but elements will change when there’s a break.”
Read more: Daily Star

4 Surprises From One Direction’s First Concert Without Zayn Malik
At Johannesburg’s massive FNB Stadium, 95 000 ecstatic fans Saturday night (March 28) showed One Direction’s remaining four members — Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan — that broken hearts should go to South Africa.

Because South Africans know how to host a party, crisis or no crisis.

The perimeter of the calabash-shaped arena we — known as “Soccer City” — began to fill from 12 p.m., suggesting that One Direction without Zayn Malik had not dampened the city’s enthusiasm. As queues of preteens, teens and tolerant parents ate farm sausage rolls, their custom T-shirts and signs reflected 1D excitement. Hardly the Zayn-related woe we’ve seen on social media.

You see, South Africans are resilient. (It’s a coping mechanism.)
Read more: Billboard

Is Louis Tomlinson next to quit One Direction for future in managing bands? Secret Syco deal ‘in place’
After shocking departure of Zayn Malik it now seems that bandmate Louis Tomlinson is planning for life after 1D as he joins Simon Cowell in the world of artist management and has set up his own company

Louis Tomlinson is planning for life after One Direction as he becomes a talent scout and learns the ropes of artist management.

The shocking move comes just days after it was revealed bandmate Zayn Malik has quit One Direction.

Louis, 23, is looking for his own girl band to mentor and is also bringing X Factor protege Jack Walton on board.

Mirror Celeb can reveal that before One Direction’s Australia tour Louis even whisked Jack off to LA with him.
Read more: Daily Mirror

A change of Direction? 1D Louis in line for X Factor judging spot
ONE Direction star Louis Tomlinson is being groomed to become an X Factor judge.

The pop heartthrob has been enlisted to help discover the next big girlband by record label Sony, and it is thought the talent scout role could lead to landing a spot on the telly panel.

The lad is leading a nationwide talent search called Be in the Band and he was spotted at the first round of auditions in London on Saturday.

A source told The Sun: “Louis has his business head screwed on and is busy making plans for the future. He’s rated very highly at Sony and they knew he’d be great to get on board.

“Louis accepted their offer straight away. He has visions of being a music boss in the future and has a good eye for new talent.

“There are even industry rumours he’ll end up as an X Factor judge at some point down the line,” they added.

Louis has already set up his own company, 78 Productions Limited, to help him become the next Simon Cowell.
Read more: Daily Star

Harry and Niall set to go solo: Split fears for 1D at end of their world tour
ONE Direction bosses fear the band will split next year following Zayn Malik’s shock decision to quit.

The band will split next year following Zayn Malik’s shock decision to quit.

I can exclusively reveal both Harry Styles and Niall Horan have huge deals on the table from record label Syco should they wish to follow Zayn and pursue solo careers.

1D’s future could be decided as quickly as next month when the remaining four have emergency meetings with Simon Cowell during a short break from their current On The Road Again tour.

So far Harry, Niall, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson have all vowed to carry on the world-conquering boyband as a foursome until all current obligations have been met.

So heartbroken fans are assured the boys will continue to tour until the end of October.

The group’s fifth album is also expected to be released as intended in time for Christmas.

But as yet no concrete plans are in place for 2016.
Read more: Daily Star

One Direction Songs Surge 769% on Spotify Following Member’s Departure
One Direction announced on Wednesday that member Zayn Malik would be taking a bow from the band, and fans have been coping with the news in a number of different ways.

While some have chosen to openly express their heartbreak through public video reactions, others have taken to Spotify to peacefully pay tribute to the now four-member group.

Spotify revealed on Thursday that One Direction fans dominated the streaming service from 5 to 6 p.m. ET following the news of Malik’s departure, a time frame Spotify dubbed the “spike of sadness.” Compared to this hour of listener activity on a typical day, there was a 769 percent increase in streams in the U.S. and 330 percent increase in global streams during the peak hour.
Read more: The Hollywood Reporter

One Direction Likes Ping Pong, Soft Toilet Paper
Band’s 2015 tour rider stresses hydration, dessert

MARCH 23–After years of harassment by rabid One Direction fans, TSG today is breaking down and giving the young horde what it wants, the boy band’s current tour rider.

The group provides concert promoters with a 32-page production rider, a 40-page security plan, and a 23-page risk assessment report, among other documents covering its sold-out stadium shows.
Read more: The Smoking Gun

Naughty GIRL: X Factor wannabe Tamera Foster working with hit producer
CHART-topping super-producer Naughty Boy is aiming to turn 2013 X Factor wannabe Tamera Foster into an international star.

The hitmaker is currently working on Zayn Malik’s debut album and has previously been credited with masterminding the early careers of Emeli Sandé and Sam Smith.

Tamera, was snapped up by Simon Cowell’s Syco label despite finishing fifth after fluffing her lines on live shows.

The plan is to handle her in the same way as Ella Henderson, who was nurtured until she was ready for fame.

My source said: “Tamera has been recording a lot with Naughty Boy.

“The music is sounding strong and will hopefully be released at the end of this year.”
Read more: Daily Star

Alexandra Burke “Renegade EP” | “Go Down” (featuring Shakka) [Premiere]
Alexandra Burke is finally BACK! Fans rejoy. We are ready to enjoy her return to the music scene with brand new single “Renegate“. She’s back with a new sound, new look and – you better believe it – new attitude.

The singer released a promotional EP called “#NewRules” in 2013 and the fans hoped to enjoy a full album this year, but eventually we will have to wait a little longer and she plans to release another EP first.

Burke confirmed that her second EP is called “Renegade” and it will be released on 27 April 2015 as another taste before the album and it’s currently rehearsing for her upcoming “The Bodyguard Tour“.

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Read more: Ultimate Music

Shayne Ward “My Heart Would Take You Back” (Video Premiere)
The X Factor winner, English singer-songwriter Shayne Ward is ready to start the promotion of his highly-awaited fourth studio album “Closer“, scheduled to be released on 13 April 2015.

The first single is the track “My Heart Would Take You Back“, which will be available on digital retailers along with the album’s release. It was premiered in full on 25 February 2015.