Adam Lambert says he understands why Zayn Malik left One Direction.

The singer departed the global pop group last week to spend time out of the limelight.

US star Lambert was quizzed by Access Hollywood this weekend about the headline-grabbing news.

The vocal powerhouse said: "Everybody has their own path on this thing and everybody has got to do what they've got to do.

"Sometimes you've just got to take time away if it's too much, I guess that's what he's doing."

When asked if he has ever reached that point, Lambert replied: "Not yet.

"I'm in it to win it. I'm here to stay - I'm going to keep fighting for it."

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Watch Adam Lambert being interviewed below: