Zayn Malik delivered a shocker to his fans when he announced he was quitting the chart-topping band One Direction.

The British singer announced Wednesday he was quitting the band "to be a normal 22-year-old." His bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne — currently in the middle of their "On The Road Again" world tour — offered their best wishes but said they'd continue as a quartet.

One Direction formed in 2010 after five teenagers — Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Tomlinson and Malik — auditioned individually for the British TV talent show "The X Factor." The quintet soon became one of the world's top pop acts with multiplatinum records, sold-out tours and even a hit movie. In the wake of Malik's departure, The Associated Press offers a look at One Direction's best moments in pictures.