Zayn Malik announced his departure from the incredibly popular boy band One Direction on March 25, 2015, due to "stress" and wanting to have a more "normal" lifestyle. The following year, Malik announced he would be pursuing a solo career, and he has changed in many ways since then.

Malik's debut single "PILLOWTALK" was a complete departure from 1D's music, with a more R&B sound, and the hit topped iTunes' chart in 60 countries. Malik has since dropped two more studio albums — "Icarus Falls" and "Nobody Is Listening" — but he has yet to go on tour due to his anxiety.

Malik has achieved the more low-key lifestyle he wanted after leaving 1D, and he's certainly never been the same for many reasons. In September 2020, Malik and his partner Gigi Hadid welcomed their daughter, Khai Hadid Malik, and as a parent and performer, Zayn has definitely changed since his debut.