Zayn Malik
Just like the rest of One Direction, the British singer got his start on The X Factor in the U.K. But as the world sadly knows, Zayn infamously split from the band in March 2015 to pursue solo work.
Pink
This goes way back, but the "Raise Your Glass" artist used to be the lead singer for the band Choice before they split up in the late '90s.
Gwen Stefani
The platinum-haired singer is a platinum-selling artist on her own, but of course she got her start with her homegrown-in-Anaheim ska-pop band No Doubt. They technically haven't broken up, but their last album came in 2012 and Stefani released her third solo album (and first in 10 years), This Is What the Truth Feels Like, in 2016.
Phil Collins
The lead singer of Genesis first branched out on his own in 1981 and ultimately released eight solo albums, as well as performed the soundtrack for Disney's Tarzan, which scored Collins an Oscar and a Golden Globe for the song "You'll Be in My Heart" and was turned into a Broadway musical.
Beyoncé
As one of the most iconic pop singers of all time, it's almost impossible to imagine her as anything other than solo Queen B. But of course she got her start as a member of girl group Destiny's Child until their official split in 2006, a few years after the release of Bey's debut solo album, 2003's Dangerously In Love.
Rob Thomas
The "Lonely No More" and "Little Wonders" singer is also the frontman of platinum-selling group Matchbox Twenty, but he's also been nominated for two Grammys for his solo work and won three for Santana's "Smooth."
Justin Timberlake
While he wasn't the first boy bander to go solo, he is one of the most iconic to do so. J.T. famously released Justified in 2002 while 'N Sync was on "hiatus."
Ricky Martin
Prior to releasing his smash-hit crossover single "Livin La Vida Loca," the baby-faced pop star got his start as a member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo when he was 12.
Fergie
The Black Eyed Peas are technically still together, but their Fergalicious frontwoman has had major success as a solo artist too.
Lindsey Buckingham
The Fleetwood Mac artist went his own way and released Law and Order, the first of nine solo albums, including two live sets, in 1981.
Morrissey
Following his departure from The Smiths in 1987, the brooding Brit started making music alone—just the way he likes it.
Travie McCoy
Katy Perry's ex rose to fame as the lead singer/rapper of band Gym Class Heroes. He then went on to pursue a solo career and was even featured on Bruno Mars' hit "Billionaire."
Darius Rucker
Before making his way into the country music scene, he rose to fame as the lead singer of ultra-'90s rock band Hootie & The Blowfish.
Michael Jackson
The late "King of Pop" famously got his start as a performer when he was 6 as a member of The Jackson 5 with big brothers Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Marlon.
Sir Paul McCartney
Being a member of The Beatles for 10 years would've been enough to cement his place in music history, but the artist has since enjoyed a prolific solo career for decades.
Kelly Rowland
The Destiny's Child singer has also released four solo albums.
John Lennon
The late artist went on to release iconic solo recordings such as "Imagine" and "Give Peace a Chance" after the breakup of The Beatles.
Geri Halliwell
Ginger Spice was the first Spice Girl to go solo, leaving the group a year before they split up in 1998.
Gloria Estefan
The Cuban-American singer broke out with her band Miami Sound Machine before releasing her debut solo album, Cuts Both Ways, in 1989, featuring huge hits like "Get On Your Feet" and "Don't Wanna Lose You."
Diana Ross
The powerful songstress, whose biggest solo hits include the 1970 recording of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Upside Down," got her start in Motown as the lead singer of The Supremes.