A Decade After Leaving the Superhit One Direction, Zayn Malik Treats His Fans With a Nostalgic Surprise

Published 03/26/2025, 2:38 PM EDT

via Imago

When One Direction came into existence in 2010, little did the five singers know what a pop sensation they were going to become in their upcoming years. The astonishing success and back-to-back hits they enjoyed in their youth are what every artist's dreams are made of. But when the band disbanded in 2016, it broke millions of hearts. Fans never got over it and prayed to see their favorite stars performing together.

Now it looks like a fraction of their prayers have been answered as their favorite, Zayn Malik decided to give them an unexpected surprise during his ongoing tour.

Zayn Malik pays tribute to One Direction at his concert opening

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Fans’ beloved Zayn Malik is on his Stairway to the Sky tour and for its South America leg, is currently performing in Mexico. Yesterday, fans gathered at Palacio de los Deportes stadium to be mesmerized by the singer with his solo songs, but instead got a pleasant surprise when, for his opening, Malik performed One Direction’s 'Night Changes,' a song written on the hearts of the fans.

After performing the song, even Malik got emotional and told the crowd how much he loved it, “It’s the first time I sang that song in 10 years. Thank you, that was f—--- amazing. I almost cried at one point. This is insane.” 'Night Changes' happens to be among 1D's biggest songs as a literal fan favorite. The nostalgia and depth of the song have found a special place in the fans’ hearts. 

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The song was recorded by all five members of the band, including Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. Malik may have left his 1D days behind, but his fans always remember him for that.

Zayn Malik's love for his former band is eternal

It was not a long time ago that Zayn Malik was part of the biggest boy band in the world. But after giving it all he had, he chose to step out in 2015 and chart a solo career on his own. He saw immense success there too with tracks likeI Don't Wanna Live Forever,’ 'Pillow Talk,' and others. But his love for One Direction always remained in his heart.

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via Imago

Once on the Zach Sang Show, he expressed that he wished he had enjoyed his time there more. “The main thing that I always feel bad about when I look back over my life is not enjoying the band enough.”  What he could not do earlier, he is doing now by reminiscing about the old days and their hearty melodies. The surprise performance was indeed a nostalgic hit for the singer and fans alike.

Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Others Finally Break the Silence on Liam Payne’s Loss as One Direction Mourns Online

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How do you feel about Zayn Malik's big surprise? Share your thoughts below.

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Shafaque Taha

12 articles

Shafaque Taha has been writing for more than half a decade now, and her passion for literature of any form is an early life habit. With more than 700 published articles in the sportainment, she is now armed with vigor to bring the same enthusiasm as an Entertainment Writer at Netflix Junkie. For her, entertainment provides a liberty to further explore the humanities with the forum of music and shows/movies in a world of ever-evolving art.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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