Zayn Malik debuts new track and album cover during first live show

Malik performed the new track while appearing on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon

Zayn Malik has completed the last stage of transition into solo artist: the live performance.

The singer debuted his new track 'It's You' during his appearance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, his first live performance since his departure from One Direction. A stumbling block for so many, in which stage presence no longer allows the crutch of fellow members; yet, Malik's soulful, yearning rendition of his new song proves he really does have the makings of solo pop sensation.

The smooth, reflective jam deals with his highly publicised split from Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards; he told Zane Lowe the track, "just felt like I needed to put myself out there on that just because it was a form of therapy for me and it did help get me through some sh*t."

It's been a strong start for Malik, who's debut single 'Pillowtalk' reached number one in 68 countries, including achieving the US number one which had always evaded One Direction; it's distinctly raunchy lyrics accompanied by a sensual music video in which he features alongside model Gigi Hadid.

His appearance also saw Fallon unveil the album's official artwork: an image of Malik as a young child with tattooed arms, a sort of thematic continuation of the image of the singer's tattoos utilised for the cover of 'Pillowtalk'. The album, entitled Mind of Mine, will also be released under Malik's new stage name ZAYN.
 

Mind of Mine is set for release 25 March.