Which One Direction member enjoyed the biggest solo debut?
One Direction's group members aren't doing too bad since going solo.
One Direction shocked fans when they announced their (never ending) hiatus in 2016, but the boys are doing just fine alone.
After making millions of dollars as one of the top boy bands in the world, 1D decided to take a break.
Many questioned whether they would me able to experience the same success as solo artists.
Here's what they have been up to.
Zayn Malik
Zayn broke millions of hearts around the world in 2015 when he announced that he was leaving the band. Some wondered whether he would be able to make it on how own, but the British singer proved them all wrong. His first single, “Pillow Talk”, debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 when it was released in early 2016. The video for the song, which features Zayn’s girlfriend Gigi Hadid, has been watched more than 710-million times on You Tube. His solo career is still going strong in 2017. Zayne teamed up with Taylor Swift for the “Fifty Shades Darker” soundtrack. Their single, “I don’t Wanna Live Forever”, peaked at number two in the US. It’s currently number eight on the Coca-Cola Top 40.
Harry Styles
Despite Zayn’s success as a solo artist, 2017 is shaping up to be Harry Styles’ year. Harry’s debut solo single, “Signs of the Times, is currently number 27 on the Coca-Cola Top 40 chart with Carol and Ricky. It’s also racing up the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, and is holding down the number four spot following its April 7 release. The audio video for the song was released earlier this month, and is already sitting on 36-million plus views on You Tube.
Louis Tomlinson
Louis is yet to release hisa solo single, but his collaboration with Steve Aoki was a big chart topper. “Just Hold On” currently number nine on the Coca-Cola Top 40 chart. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number two when it was released in December 2016. Louis is reportedly working on his debut solo album, which is set to be released under Simon Cowell’s Syco label.
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Niall Horan
Another 1D member making music waves outside of the group is Niall Horan. His September 2016 singe, “This Town”, peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and number nine on the UK Singles Chart. Niall is still working on his debut album, which will reportedly drop in 2017.
Liam Payne
Liam Payne’s solo career took a backseat to daddy duty recently. The singer welcomed his first child with musician Cheryl Cole in March. He has done a lot of behind the scenes work as a producer, calling himself Payno, and has worked on songs for several artists including Cheryl. But don’t count the the 23-year-old’s solo career out just yet. He is working on a big US debut after signing with Republic Records. Liam is teaming up with US heavyweights like Migos and Pharrell Williams to help create his new sound, which reportedly will be a mix between Justin Bieber and Drake.
Thanks to his head start, Zayne is currently winning the “life after 1D” race. But he should not get too comfortable as his former band members are catching up – fast!