Zayn Malik marks 10 years since One Direction exit with emotional tribute in Mexico

Zayn Malik performed “Night Changes” from One Direction’s “Stairway to the Sky” tour in Mexico.
The tribute was made special as it marked the 10th anniversary of Malik’s departure from the band.
The song was performed by Malik, who was overwhelmed with emotions after the performance.

Zayn Malik thrilled fans with a surprise performance of “Night Changes”, a hit song from his former band, One Direction. On March 25, he kicked off his first-ever sold-out arena show in Mexico for his “Stairway to the Sky” tour with a special tribute.

As the curtains lifted, Malik stood at the center of the stage before a standing mic. The tune of “Night Changes” began playing, heightening fans’ anticipation. The moment he sang the first lyric, the audience erupted in cheers and roars.

The concertgoers quickly joined in, singing along to the iconic “One Direction” song. Malik made the tribute even more special as the day marked the 10th anniversary of his departure from the band, which also included Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne.

Liam Payne tragically passed away at 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina last year. “It’s the first time I’ve sung that song in 10 years,” the “Pillowtalk” hitmaker told the crowd. He confessed that performing it left him overwhelmed with emotions.

“Thank you, that was f—ing amazing. I almost cried at one point. This is insane,” Malik said. His tribute came just four months after he reunited with his former bandmates at Payne’s funeral, held a month after his tragic passing.

Malik shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, mourning the loss of his “brother.” He expressed gratitude to the late singer for standing by his side during some of the most challenging moments of his life.

“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” the musician wrote in his tribute at the time.

He vowed to cherish their memories forever, making his One Direction tribute even more special, emotional, and cathartic for both him and the Directioners.