'X Factor' contestants Stereo Kicks have revealed that they were saddened to learn that Zayn Malik had quit One Direction because he was an important member of the band who will be sorely missed. 

The eight-piece boy band to the Birmingham Mail that Malik's departure is a 'massive loss' to the group, but they understand that you have to follow your heart in life so they support his decision:

"It's a bit of a touchy subject as it's a massive loss to the biggest boy band in the world at the moment. But like Zayn has said he has done what he wanted to do and he couldn't carry on for whatever reason so good luck to him, and the other four boys in One Direction."

Music mogul Simon Cowell, meanwhile, recently told James Corden on 'The Late Late Show' that he has heard some of the new songs written by the remaining 1D lads and has high hopes for their next album: "I have a feeling they are going to deliver this year the best record they've ever made. I've heard some of the early stuff. So I'm feeling good."

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Watch Cowell discussing 1D's future here: