No more anxiety issues for Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik

Though his debut solo album, “Mind of Mine,” reached No. 1 in various countries including the United States and United Kingdom, pop star Zayn Malik didn’t go on tour to support the record, because he was having anxiety issues and stage fright.

But as he prepares to release his second studio album, the former One Direction member said his “confidence has grown,” and that he had been rehearsing for live performances.

“The last year and a half, I have been working on a lot of personal issues,” he said in an interview with BBC Radio 1. “I didn’t know what was going on for a while. I was just putting out a record, and not really being as prominent as I wanted to be.”

“But I believe I’m more confident now,” added Zayn, who’s nonetheless thankful that many fans embraced his solo endeavor. “It’s humbling.” —ALLAN POLICARPIO