Zayn Malik Makes First Public Appearance Since Leaving One Direction And He Looks Different

Zayn Malik attended the Asian Awards 2015 on Friday, April 17, making his first public appearance since exiting One Direction.

The former boy bander, 22, looked happy and handsome at the annual awards show, held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. He posed for photos outside of the venue with mother Trisha Malik on his arm.

Malik wore a navy suit paired with a white collared shirt and a black tie for the fête. He also debuted a newly shaved head at the Asian Awards, sporting light stubble with his new 'do.

"He simply just fancied a change," a source close to the singer told Us Weekly of Malik's hair makeover. "No biggie. He’s in a great place."

Zayn Malik attends The Asian Awards 2015 at The Grosvenor House Hotel on April 17.
Credit: Dave J Hogan/Getty Image

The British singer had a rough few months before his abrupt departure from One Direction on March 25. Malik previously missed the band's appearance on the Today show and faced rumors of drug use following his absence. He went on to shoot down talk that he was cheating on his fiancée Perrie Edwards, and finally skipped out in the midst of One Direction's world tour last month.

The star, who has started working on his own solo projects, seemed to be in much higher spirits at the Asian Awards. His bandmates are moving on as well, as Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson shared their first official photo as a foursome this week. 

Payne took to Twitter on Monday, April 13, to share a One Direction update as the band continues to tour.

"1st day writing the album it's gunna be a great day!" he shared. "Huge day of writing so excited the team never stop!... Wonder what tomorrow's writing will bring." 

Liam @Real_Liam_Payne · Apr 13

1st day writing the album it's gunna be a great day!

206,627 retweets282,667 favorites

Liam @Real_Liam_Payne · Apr 13

Huge day of writing so excited the team never stop!

Liam @Real_Liam_Payne · Apr 13

Wonder what tomorrow's writing will bring

Bad Day For Directioners

It is a bad day for all of the "Directioners" today. 

On March 25, One Direction shocked fans by announced that Zayn Malik was officially leaving the incredibly successful boy band.

Malik -- who had previously taken off two tour dates due to "stress" following online rumors that he had cheated on his fiancée Perrie Edwards of Little Mix -- explained why he was parting ways with 1D on Facebook.

"My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band," Malik wrote.

"I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart," he said. [Note: Plenty of fans are feeling let down, and are letting the whole world know on Twitter].

"I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world."