Zayn Malik Latest News 2015: One Direction to Replace Zayn Malik? (VIDEO)

By Dondi Tiples, Christian Post Contributor Friday, March 27, 2015

On the heels of Zayn Malik leaving One Direction after bowing out of the band's "On The Road Again Tour," speculations have emerged over his rumored replacements.

Pakistani-English singer-songwriter Zayn Malik quit the popular British boy band One Direction earlier this week pleading stress after allegations and online photographs emerged he was cheating on fiancée, Perrie Edwards, back home.

Talk of the 22-year-old ex-band member's replacement has now taken center stage on social media, with rumors One Direction will have Malik's replacement within the year as the band completes its 2015 tour circuit.

Gossip centered on one of the members of British boy band, Overload Generation, introduced in 2014's "The X Factor UK," and who were eliminated one week into the sing-off. In particular, 20-year-old Joseph Devries, who bears a passing resemblance to Malik, has been sighted as a possible replacement.

MTV also published a tongue-in-cheek article naming all possible alternates for Malik, including Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Jaden Smith, Sam Smith, and even Beatles legend Paul McCartney.

The article garnered flak from Malik's young fans who have posted emotional tributes, as well as crying selfies and videos on social media as a reaction to their idol leaving the band.

ABC also published a mock audition by "Full House" alumnus, John Stamos, whose musical credits include touring with the iconic Beastie Boys. The mock-dition appeared on actor Josh Peck's Vine where Stamos sang One Direction's, "You Don't Know You're Beautiful."

"Josh and Drake's" Peck is set to star with Stamos in an as-yet-untitled comedy pilot on Fox.

Malik's leaving the band has been speculated to be a sign of One Direction's break-up soon after their current tour ends, a prediction that has intermittently appeared on news websites since 2014.

Meanwhile, the band has issued a statement saying they will be completing the tour as a foursome, and will be recording their new album without Malik.