Harry Styles set for split with Simon Cowell to ‘move as far away from 1D as possible’
A new major US solo deal could be on the cards for The X Factor star as rival labels fight for the superstar singer
HE’S chopped off his famous locks and now HARRY STYLES is considering cutting his last remaining ties with ONE DIRECTION.
I’ve learned the pop heart-throb is at the centre of a bidding war between record giants Universal and Sony, as mentor SIMON COWELL, braces himself to lose the star from his label, Syco.
Harry’s potential deal with Universal will be managed out of the US and is likely to see him sign with Capitol Records, home to KATY PERRY, EAGLES, BECK and even THE BEACH BOYS.
The label, based at the iconic Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood, is run by Brit hot- shot music exec Steve Barnett, who got to know Harry while launching 1D spin-off band 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER.
But Universal Music Group chairman Lucian Grainge — who once tried to poach 1D from Sony — is also believed to be instrumental in luring Harry away from the record company.
Sony is doing everything in its power to keep him, sparking a huge bidding war.
A Sony source said: “Harry is being offered so many incentives to stay. They’re breaking the bank for him.”
Earlier this month I told how Sony nabbed ROBBIE WILLIAMS from Universal. But at least Sony bosses can pat themselves on the back for securing a history-making deal with ADELE, as I’ve revealed on today’s front page.
Sources close to 1D say it was inevitable Harry was going to distance himself from the band.
A 1D insider explained: “It was obvious from day one that Harry wouldn’t stay with Simon Cowell, Syco or a Sony label.
“He wants to move as far away from the band as possible and for him that means an entirely new team based in America.
“It’s all part of a masterplan being driven by his friend Jeff Azoff, who has set up his own management company to launch Harry as a solo superstar.”
Universal’s UK labels will be fighting over who gets to represent Harry here, with Polydor seen as the most likely option.
1D fans won’t be happy with my revelation today and neither will Harry, who wanted this news kept secret until he has finished shooting his first film role, the CHRISTOPHER NOLAN-directed drama Dunkirk.
Last night a source close to Harry said: “He has made no decisions about his music future. He is close to many people at Sony and focusing on filming his first movie.”
It’s going to be a big year for Harry.
SALES ARE DOWN THE ZAYN
THINGS are going from bad to worse for ZAYN MALIK.
In March his debut album Mind Of Mine pulled in less than 23,000 sales during its first week, a fraction of the numbers he achieved with ONE DIRECTION.
And now his second single from the record has embarrassingly flopped too.
Like I Would limped into the charts at No30 last week and has since plummeted 57 positions.
To make matters worse, I’ve also learned it has been axed from the Radio 1 playlist. The dismal performance is another result of him not bothering to promote his music in the UK.
He has refused to speak to the press, notably pulling out of interviews with GRAHAM NORTON and GREG JAMES.
Not even supermodel girlfriend GIGI HADID can help these disappointing sales.