He posted a picture of him signing his new contract, tweeting: "I guess I never explained why I left, it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who I really am! #realmusic."
Here's how Twitter reacted to Zayn Malik's solo record deal and his "real music" mission...
Simon Cowell was among the first to congratulate the singer.
We have been working on this for a while and I am pleased to say congratulations to @Zaynmalik on signing with @RCARecords
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) July 29, 2015
I believe they are the perfect label for @ZaynMalik's solo career and I am sure whatever they release together will be special.
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— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) July 29, 2015
There were some very happy and proud fans:
It's great to see Zayn putting his happiness before anyone else's. I love seeing him happy. He's my inspiration. Do you boo! @zaynmalik
— ovoxo (@upsetsouljagirl) July 29, 2015
I don't care what y'all are saying when Zayn Malik goes on his first tour I will be there front row supporting him.
— Aye loves niall ୨୧ (@93niallsderby) July 29, 2015
I love you Zayn malik and nothing else matters in this world ... will do nothing to change what I feel for u
x128
— ZAYN GOSTOSO MALIK (@littleofcameron) July 29, 2015
#realmusic @zaynmalik I have accepted that you left and now I'm just going to do my best to be proud of you; do what makes u happy
— 5 years & counting (@zaynsbeaniebabe) July 29, 2015
i feel like im sending my oldest child into the real world go zaynhttps://t.co/YDTuFf1L6N
— lilly (@lilalbelbaisi) July 29, 2015
@zaynmalik I wish you all the best for the path that you've chosen. Thank you for saving my life, I love you. God bless you, Zayn.
— ▲▼1D Updates Dubai▲▼ (@1DDXBUpdates) July 29, 2015
At least now we can all move on and stop holding onto the false hope that zayn is coming back, good luck @zaynmalik, I'm so proud of you
— el | 58 (@londontownharry) July 29, 2015
However, some didn't take the news as well as others:
@5SOSUpdatesUSA @zaynmalik YOU CANT SAY THAT YOU WANNA BE A NORMAL 22 YEAR OLD AND THEN SIGN ONTO A NEW LABEL. GTFO I'M ANGRY
— 》madison《 (@0of9yaylife) July 29, 2015
now I have to pay for one direction and Zayn Malik albums when I can't even afford a happy meal from McDonald's ok
— jessica / fIVE YEARS (@gasmicstyles) July 29, 2015
I find it very hard to trust anything @zaynmalik says now. #realme ? More like "I've been lying to you for 5 years, but still support me"
— ✨5SOS Squad✨ (@5SOSFollowSquad) July 29, 2015
THE ZAYN MALIK IN ONE DIRECTION WE USED KNOW AND LOVE THAT USED TO MAKE US HAPPY EVERYDAY WASN'T REAL
— Kat (@cityburnstyles) July 29, 2015
I dunni if Zayn Malik is going to make it solo...leaving a boyband to go solo doesnt end well traditionally. Unless you're Robbie Williams.
— Rachel S (@rach22uk) July 29, 2015
@zaynmalik rude and disrespectful
— Cassie Capewell (@cassiemcapewell) July 29, 2015
Tasha is a freelance writer for with a particular interest in the representation of women in film and TV. After graduating with a Literature degree then journalism qualifications with News Associates a few years further back than she’d like to admit, Tasha began her freelance career. She’s worked as a writer, editor and commissioning editor for a number of publications including Digital Spy. She is also a theatre critic. LinkedIn
