Zayn Malik gets emotional singing One Direction's 'Night Changes' in Mexico on 10th anniversary of departure from boyband

Fans feels nostalgia as Zayn Malik performs 'Night Changes' in Mexico, 10 years after leaving One Direction.

Zayn Malik delivered an emotional performance during his first-ever concert in Mexico as part of his Stairway to the Sky world tour. On March 25, the former One Direction star took the stage at Palacio de los Deportes, and one particular moment captured the hearts of fans across the globe—Zayn performed "Night Changes", the iconic track from his boyband days, for the first time in a decade.

The performance came just days after the tragic passing of Liam Payne, Zayn’s former bandmate, adding another layer of poignancy to the night. As he closed the song, Zayn addressed the audience, saying, “I haven’t sung this song in 10 years. Thank you, that was amazing, I almost cried…”

 

 

 

 

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The powerful moment quickly went viral online, as fans were moved by Zayn’s vulnerability and tribute through music. For many, the performance symbolised a full-circle moment in Zayn’s career—ten years after leaving One Direction in 2015, he returned to one of the band’s most beloved tracks in front of a roaring crowd.

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This leg of the Stairway to the Sky tour marked Zayn’s debut in Mexico, where he is scheduled to perform three sold-out shows. The tour, which began in October 2024, has already captivated fans in the UK and US, with venues ranging from 2,000-seat theatres to arenas hosting up to 7,000 people.

Zayn’s solo journey has seen him evolve into a distinct voice in pop and R&B, but his return to One Direction’s catalogue—especially at such an emotional time—shows his lasting connection to the group’s legacy and the bond he shared with his bandmates.