Zayn Malik To Be Replaced In One Direction? #ReplaceZayn Trends After Singer Leaves Band

Zayn Malik’s departure from One Direction has rocked the Twitter-verse. Fans have trended several different phrases and hashtags throughout the day in reaction to the 22-year-old’s exit from the British boy band. Trending hashtags included #AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik, #ZaynWillAlwaysBeAPartOf1D and even #ReplaceZayn. It seems some fans have already started imagining replacements for the One Directioner.

Several suggestions were made. Of the more serious ideas, Justin Bieber was brought up. The 21-year-old "Baby" singer has been making a comeback lately, but we’re not sure if he would want to share the spotlight.

Several less famous artists were brought up, many of whom have viral videos on the internet. Scott Hoying of Pentatonix was suggested, as was YouTube vlogger Troye Sivan. Matty B’s name was also thrown out there, but the 12-year-old YouTube rap star and "Turn Up The Track" singer is probably a little too young to be considered.

Other people took the opportunity to throw some funnier suggestions out there. Actors like Hannibal Burress, Steve Buscemi and even Benedict Cumberbatch were suggested, although we can’t recall seeing any of them sing. One fan even joked that recently fired “Top Gear” host Jeremy Clarkson should throw his hat in the ring.

While many people had fun with the hashtag, some One Direction fans felt like salt had been poured into an open wound. After all, the hashtag picked up stream only shortly after the announcement of Malik’s departure. A select few fans of One Direction made it very clear that they were angry to see #ReplaceZayn trending. “Queer as Folk” star Hal Sparks even received threats for his joking tweet using the hashtag.

So will Malik be replaced? Directioners probably don’t have to worry about another singer standing in for him just yet. The band has not announced any plans to replace him.