Zayn Malik Wins New Artist of the Year at 2016 AMAs, Throws Shady Dig at One Direction
Malik wasn't going to accept his honor without shading the band that gave him his start.
On Sunday evening, former One Direction member Zayn Malik made his first solo appearance at the AMAs. It was a big night for the "Pillowtalk" singer, who won Best New Artist of the Year. As it happens, it was also a big night for the other members of the now defunct band, who received a highly unanticipated shout-out.
As the 23-year-old stepped up on stage to receive his trophy, he took a second to look at it.
"Wow," he said. "This just has my name on it, right?"
Eeesh.
Interestingly, fellow former One Direction member Niall Horan was also in attendance on Sunday, performing a soulful iteration of "This Town." The Irish singer-songwriter has also enjoyed a rejuvenated career since One Direction's hiatus.
Harry Styles, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson were not a part of the event.
After Malik's joke fell somewhat flat, he continued.
"I can't thank the people that have been with me every day the past year enough," he said. "Standing here is crazy. My mom, my dad, everybody in my family that's been supporting me the past year, especially my dad. Thank you, Dad. Also, big thank you to you guys. I didn't expect anybody to still vote for me. So thank you, and I'll put it on my fireplace."
Other contenders for New Artist of the Year were Alessia Cara, The Chainsmokers, DNCE, and Shawn Mendes.
Malik's girlfriend, Gigi Hadid, hosted the awards show alongside Jay Pharoah. Earlier in the night, the model's impression of Melania Trump drew quite the applause.
