Simon Cowell recently sat down for an interview on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" and discussed his feelings on Zayn Malik's departure from his group One Direction.

Cowell takes credit for forming One Direction. The band was first formed on the "The X Factor (U.K.)" and later signed to Cowell's record label, Syco, Entertainment Weekly reports.

When Corden asked Cowell to describe his initial reaction to Malik's exit, Cowell jokingly responded that he wanted "to jump off a cliff."

But despite his initial reaction to the news, Cowell revealed that he wasn't shocked. He explained that he had several conversations with Malik prior to his departure and Malik made it very clear to him that he wasn't happy in the group.

"We'd had a few conversations," Cowell revealed. "He wasn't happy, and I was trying to say to him, 'Look, I think you should try to stay around a bit longer. ... And then something in him said, 'No, I've had enough.'"

Cowell's biggest surprise throughout Malik's exit controversy was how the rest of the One Direction band members came together and quickly adapted to performing live with one less member.

"It was interesting, because they were in the middle of these live shows at the time. They were -- I've got to hand it to them -- incredible to work everything out so quickly," he explained. "I have a feeling they're going to deliver this year the best record they've ever made. I'm feeling good."

Since leaving the group, Malik is rumored to be embarking on a solo career. He recently appeared at the Asian awards red carpet sporting a new buzz cut and nose piercing.

Malik's rumored solo album producer Naughty Boy also accompanied him on the red carpet.

But despite the rumors of his solo career, Malik thanked his former One Direction bandmates when accepting his award. Malik described his former bandmates as "the best guys" he's ever met.

"I'd like to thank my mum and dad for making me Asian," Zayne said.

"I'd also like to take this moment to thank four of the best guys I've ever met whilst being in a band and doing all the amazing things that I did. The things that we did will stay with me for the rest of my life and I thank you for that."

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