The newly four-man band provided some much needed peace for One Direction fans when they accepted their Billboard Award at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday.
In what was their first official awards ceremony sans Zayn, the lads thanked their fans before Liam Payne took the microphone to say diplomatically: “There’s one more person to share this with, and that’s our brother Zayn.”
Just days ago, the boys stopped by the The Late Late Show and revealed to host James Corden that they were “angry” about Zayn’s decision to say goodbye to One Direction.
“At first we were a little bit angry, obviously surprised. I think we all kind of knew the general vibe that Zayn was feeling,” Liam confessed.
As for why he thought Zayn decided to leave after five years together, Liam revealed: “There were certain parts of this job that Zayn loved and certain parts that he didn’t.”
In a statement on his Facebook page Zayn told fans at the time: “I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.”
One Direction accepting the Billboard Award for Top Duo or Group
“We were angry at first but then it was just a bit more disappointed. We wish him the best of luck… there’s no hard feelings and it’s just going to carry on as usual,” 21-year-old Liam went on to tell James.
The boys were asked if “calling it a day” ever crossed their mind during the debacle but an adamant Niall reassured fans that was never an option. “We are looking forward to bringing out a new record and going on more tours,” the Irishman promised.
Just a couple weeks ago current band member Louis Tomlinson engaged in a heated exchanged with Zayn on Twitter
Louis opened up about the spat and admitted he was “never very good a biting my tongue.”
“It’s all resolved, all good in the hood… no qualms,” Louis concluded.
There’s been plenty of speculation about whether Zayn will be replaced and when asked about it, the teen heartthrobs were very clear with an all round, big fat “No!”
Watch the boy’s revealing interview in the video player below
