Zayn Malik shocked the world on March 25, 2015 when he unexpectedly announced that "after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band." When One Direction first formed 2010, few could have expected the furor this would cause just a few years later. Despite the setback of finishing third on The X Factor, the boys signed a multi-million dollar contract and brought out number one single after number one single, gaining devoted fans from all over the world. Known as being one of the most mischievous members of One Direction, Zayn appeared to have settled down when he proposed to Perrie Edwards. But after tabloid allegations rocked their sturdy relationship, it appeared Zayn had to make a choice: the band that he loved or the love of his life. But, at the tender age of 22, there is no suggestion that Zayn’s career is anywhere near over—just days after announcing the split, he was back in the recording studio with Naughty Boy, working on potential solo material.