Career Timeline of Zayn Malik: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Zayn Malik, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Zayn Malik is an English singer known for his participation in the British television show The X Factor in 2010. He was initially eliminated as a solo contestant but was later brought back to form the boy band One Direction. The group achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling boy bands ever. Malik departed from One Direction in March 2015 and subsequently signed a solo recording contract with RCA Records to pursue his solo career.
2010: X Factor Audition
In 2010, Zayn Malik auditioned for The X Factor as a solo artist, which marked the beginning of his professional music career.
2010: X Factor Audition and Formation of One Direction
In 2010, Zayn Malik auditioned for The X Factor. Although initially eliminated, he was brought back to form One Direction with other contestants, marking a significant turning point in his career.
February 2011: Release of One Direction: Forever Young and X Factor Live Tour
In February 2011, One Direction released their book, One Direction: Forever Young, which topped The Sunday Times' Best Seller list, and performed for 500,000 people on the X Factor Live Tour.
November 2011: Release of Up All Night in the UK and Ireland
In November 2011, One Direction released their debut album, Up All Night, in the UK and Ireland.
March 2012: International Release of Up All Night
In March 2012, One Direction's album Up All Night was released internationally, becoming the first UK group to have their debut album reach number one in the United States.
May 2012: Release of Up All Night: The Live Tour and Dare to Dream
In May 2012, One Direction released Up All Night: The Live Tour, a video album, and their first book in America, Dare to Dream, topped The New York Times Best Seller list.
September 2012: Release of "Live While We're Young"
In September 2012, One Direction released "Live While We're Young", which achieved top ten status in nearly every country it charted in.
November 2012: Release of Take Me Home
In November 2012, One Direction released their second studio album, Take Me Home, which reached number one in 35 countries.
February 2013: Start of Take Me Home Tour
In February 2013, One Direction embarked on the Take Me Home Tour, playing over 100 shows across multiple continents.
August 2013: Release of One Direction: This Is Us and One Direction: Where We Are
In August 2013, One Direction released the 3D documentary concert film One Direction: This Is Us, and their third book, One Direction: Where We Are: Our Band, Our Story: 100% Official.
November 2013: Release of Midnight Memories
In November 2013, One Direction released their third studio album, Midnight Memories, which became the best-selling album worldwide that year.
April 2014: Guitar Donation to Kean's Children Fund
In April 2014, Zayn Malik donated his guitar to the Kean's Children Fund, supporting underprivileged children in Scotland.
September 2014: Release of One Direction: Who We Are
In September 2014, One Direction's fourth book, One Direction: Who We Are: Our Official Autobiography, was released.
October 2014: Release of One Direction: Where We Are – The Concert Film
In October 2014, One Direction's second concert film, One Direction: Where We Are – The Concert Film, was released.
November 2014: Release of Four
In November 2014, One Direction released their fourth album, Four, which debuted at number one in 18 countries.
March 2015: Zayn Malik Starts Solo Work with Naughty Boy
In March 2015, Zayn Malik began working on solo music, collaborating with producer Naughty Boy.
March 2015: Departure from One Direction
In March 2015, Zayn Malik left One Direction, a pivotal moment that led to his solo career.
March 2015: Zayn Malik's Absence from On The Road Again Tour
In March 2015, Zayn Malik was absent from the remaining shows of the Asian leg of One Direction's On The Road Again Tour due to stress.
March 2015: Zayn Malik's Departure from One Direction Announced
In March 2015, Zayn Malik's departure from One Direction was officially announced, citing his desire for a more normal life.
June 2015: Leak of "No Type"
In June 2015, Zayn Malik's cover of "No Type," featuring Mic Righteous and produced by Naughty Boy, was leaked.
July 2015: Zayn Malik Signs with RCA Records
In July 2015, Zayn Malik announced he had signed a recording deal with RCA Records, marking a new phase in his solo career.
December 2015: Zayn Malik Expresses Unhappiness with One Direction's Musical Direction
In December 2015, Zayn Malik expressed his dissatisfaction with One Direction's musical direction, stating he had limited creative freedom.
January 2016: Release of "Pillowtalk"
In January 2016, Zayn Malik released his debut single, "Pillowtalk", which debuted at number one in both the UK and the US.
February 2016: Release of "Pillowtalk" Remix and Guest Vocals on "Back to Sleep" Remix
At the end of February 2016, Zayn Malik released a remix of "Pillowtalk" featuring Lil Wayne and provided guest vocals on a remix of Chris Brown's "Back to Sleep".
March 2016: Release of Mind of Mine
In March 2016, Zayn Malik released his debut solo album, Mind of Mine, featuring a blend of R&B and alternative R&B genres.
July 2016: Release of "Cruel" with Snakehips
In July 2016, "Cruel", featuring Zayn Malik, was released by British production team Snakehips.
2016: Debut on BoF500 Index
In 2016, Zayn Malik debuted on The Business of Fashion's annual BoF500 index, recognizing him as one of the most influential people in fashion.
2016: Release of Mind of Mine and "Pillowtalk"
In 2016, Zayn Malik released his first solo studio album, Mind of Mine, and its lead single, "Pillowtalk", achieving number one debuts in both the UK and US, a significant achievement for a British male artist.
2016: Sponsorship of Box at Bradford City
In 2016, Zayn Malik sponsored a box at Bradford City for underprivileged children, allowing them to watch football games.
2016: Planned Solo Album under Syco Label
In 2016, it was planned that Zayn Malik's first solo studio album would be released under the Syco label.
January 2017: Release of Shoe Line with Giuseppe Zanotti
In January 2017, Zayn Malik released a shoe line with Giuseppe Zanotti, showcasing his foray into fashion design.
February 2017: Versus (Versace) Campaign and Paris Fashion Week
In February 2017, Zayn Malik was featured in the Versus (Versace) Spring Summer campaign and co-hosted the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund's Americans in Paris annual cocktail during Paris Fashion Week.
March 2017: Release of "Still Got Time"
In March 2017, Zayn Malik released the single "Still Got Time", featuring PartyNextDoor.
May 2017: Release of Zayn x Versus Collection
In May 2017, the Zayn x Versus collection, with Zayn Malik as creative director, was released, marking his significant role in fashion design with Versace.
September 2017: Release of "Dusk Till Dawn"
On September 7, 2017, Zayn Malik released the single "Dusk Till Dawn", featuring Sia, along with a music video.
2017: Release of "I Don't Wanna Live Forever"
In 2017, Taylor Swift and Zayn Malik released "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" for the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, which achieved international success.
April 2018: Release of "Let Me"
In April 2018, Zayn Malik released "Let Me" as the lead single from his upcoming album, marking a significant moment in his solo career.
September 2018: Design of Backpack Line for The Kooples
In September 2018, Zayn Malik designed a backpack line for The Kooples, further expanding his presence in the fashion industry.
2018: Release of Icarus Falls
In 2018, Zayn Malik released his second studio album, Icarus Falls, continuing his solo career after his success with "Mind of Mine".
2019: Modeling for Penshoppe
In 2019, Zayn Malik continued to model for Penshoppe, reinforcing his presence in the fashion world.
2019: Collaborations and Soundtrack Work
In 2019, Zayn Malik covered "A Whole New World" and collaborated with Zhavia Ward, released "Un Mundo Ideal" with Becky G, and teamed up with Shaed and R3hab for remixes and new tracks, showcasing his versatility in music.
January 2020: Donation to Medical Treatment
In January 2020, Zayn Malik donated £10,000 to a five-year-old girl's medical treatment, showing his commitment to helping those in need.
June 2020: Support for Black Lives Matter
In June 2020, Zayn Malik showed support for the Black Lives Matter movement by sharing petitions and donating to the George Floyd memorial fund.
August 2020: Re-release of 'Icarus Falls'
In August 2020, Zayn Malik re-released his album 'Icarus Falls', including the tracks 'Still Got Time' and 'Dusk Till Dawn'.
September 2020: Release of "Better"
In September 2020, Zayn Malik released "Better," the lead single from his third album, marking his first solo release in nearly two years and signaling a new personal direction in his music.
January 2021: Release of 'Nobody Is Listening'
In January 2021, Zayn Malik released his third studio album, 'Nobody Is Listening,' one week after releasing another song called 'Vibez' along with the album pre-order.
September 2021: Release of "Yellow Tape"
In September 2021, Zayn Malik released "Yellow Tape", a collection of three songs via Dropbox, indicating a shift towards an old-school hip-hop sound.
October 2021: Departure from RCA Records
In October 2021, Zayn Malik was dropped by RCA Records, marking a significant change in his career and record label affiliations.
2021: Release of Nobody Is Listening
In 2021, Zayn Malik released his third studio album, Nobody Is Listening, further establishing his presence as a solo artist.
November 2022: Letter to Rishi Sunak on Free School Meals
In November 2022, Zayn Malik wrote a public letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urging him to widen access to free school meals during the cost of living crisis, advocating for social welfare.
January 2023: Signing with United Talent Agency
In January 2023, Zayn Malik signed a management contract with United Talent Agency, signaling a new phase in his career across music, film, and television.
July 2023: Release of "Love Like This"
In July 2023, Zayn Malik released "Love Like This", his first single under Mercury Records, marking a transition to an R&B sound.
December 2023: Ambassador for Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
In December 2023, Zayn Malik became an ambassador for the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, aiming to support and promote animal welfare.
February 2024: Dave Cobb reveals working with Zayn
In February 2024, producer Dave Cobb shared he was working with Zayn on his upcoming album, highlighting Zayn's voice and artistic vision.
March 2024: Album announcement
In March 2024, Zayn announced his new album and release date, teasing its personal nature and offering it for pre-order.
May 2024: Release of 'Room Under the Stairs' and First Solo Live Show
In May 2024, Zayn released his album 'Room Under the Stairs' and celebrated with his first-ever solo live show, marking a significant milestone in his career.
