Louis Tomlinson has left Simon Cowell's record label, Syco.

The 28-year-old singer has been with Cowell since the start of his musical career as part of One Direction.

Tomlinson announced the news on Twitter yesterday [Saturday, July11], saying that he's now "really excited for the future".

The 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart' star tweeted: "Hope everyone is doing ok! Just wanted to let you know that Syco Music and I have agreed to part ways. I'm really excited for the future and to be back in the studio writing the next album. Can't wait to finally see you all on tour!!

"Stay safe and see you soon, Louis x (sic)"

After One Direction took a break in 2016, the hugely talented music star said: "We'd done such a lot of work in a short space of time so a break was inevitable. But I don't think I was necessarily ready for how long.

Since then, as a solo artist, Tomlinson has garnered over a billion outstanding streams, and released four solo singles.

His latest album, Walls, was released earlier this year and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, giving the relaunched Arista Records its first top 10 on the chart in years.

The UK singer-songwriter kicked off his first solo world tour in Spain earlier this year on March 9, but was forced to cancel his Milan show on March 11 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour was set to arrive in Denver, Colorado tomorrow on July 13.

As a result of severing ties to Syco, Tomlinson has liberated himself contractually and can experience complete independence and freedom now as an artist, and his loyal fans cannot wait to hear what this newfound freedom will sound like. 2021 may just well be the best year for Tomlinson yet.

Listen & steam here.