Cowell, best known for creating the X Factor in 2004 and Got Talent in 2006, sold his share of Syco Music and Syco Television to Sony Music Entertainment but stayed involved until now. In a statement, Simon spoke about the decision, saying; “The shows we created have found so many amazing artists over the years and so many of the various Sony labels all over the world have enabled so many of those artists to fulfil their dreams. We have all shared some incredible achievements, and importantly we have had lots of fun.”

He added: “I won’t say this was an easy decision to make, however sometimes you have to personally support something you are so passionate about. I’ve always believed it’s important to take on new goals in order to drive new ideas and creativity so I’m very excited to be taking an independent and creatively-led Syco Entertainment into the future.”

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#Repost from @OneDirection – Throwback to the guys with Simon Cowell following their epic @TheXFactor Final performance of ‘History’!

A post shared by @ simoncowell on Apr 14, 2016 at 7:33am PDT

Syco Records has previously represented huge acts like Little Mix, One Direction and Leona Lewis, who have all left since, some even saying how they felt they were being held back by the label. Following their split in 2015, Louis Tomlinson was the only One Direction member who signed back up to the label.

An insider has spoken to The Sun about the news saying; “This deal is huge. Simon has had to pay a massive amount to regain control of Syco Entertainment. That has meant he is no longer involved in Syco Music but it’s not in great shape right now. Leaving it now makes sense for him because he can instead focus on his Got Talent shows, as those are his money-makers now.”

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A post shared by @simoncowell on Apr 16, 2016 at 8:57am PDT

Hope everyone is doing ok! Just wanted to let you know that Syco Music and I have agreed to part ways. I’m really excited for the future and to be back in the studio writing the next album. Can’t wait to finally see you all on tour!!
Stay safe and see you soon, Louis x

— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) July 11, 2020

It is understood that this departure was amicable, a music insider told The Sun: “Louis and his team felt they had come to the end of their working relationship with Syco and Simon didn’t stand in the way of Louis leaving. They mutually agreed he could leave and the technicalities were sorted this week. He had been with another Sony label in the US, Arista, and the door is still open for him to discuss the possibility of staying with them.” Louis fans seem to be very supportive of the news, many responding to show their support. Josh Devine, a popular English drummer, who was previously the live drummer for One Direction, replied to Louis saying; “Wow man, Big news. Very excited for you brother.. you’re a great talent and a great person. You deserve it man.. keep well and I look forward to hearing a new record! Much love my friend!”

I hope your new management regardless of who it is sees your potential and how talented you really are. I hope that they actually work with you to help you get the recognition your truly deserve. I wish you all the best in this new step in your career you’re gonna do great!

— Kim (@Kim_Ortiz__) July 11, 2020

Louis was the only One Direction member who signed back up to Syco following the bands hiatus announcement in 2015, the others all chose to explore other labels. He even went on to be a judge on The X Factor in 2018, and even won the show with act Dalton Harris.

Many fans are hoping this is another sign that One Direction will be having a reunion to celebrate their ten-year anniversary. Liam Payne has already revealed that if it goes ahead it will be without former band member Zayn Malik. On an Instagram live with Alesso on April 14th, Liam announced that it is offically in the works and should be at some point in July 2020. Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, a tour is off the table.