In an interview with Glamour magazine, the PILLOWTALK singer, 23, responded to a question about the first time he realized he wanted a solo career, saying: “An alien spoke to me in a dream.”
Malik announced in March 2015 he was quitting the successful British X Factor-formed group consisting of Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne, after five years together.
“I’d like to apologize to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart,” he explained at the time. “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."
Shortly after the shock announcement, Malik, the on-off love of model Gigi Hadid, embarked on a solo career, releasing his first album Mind Of Mine, the following March, which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 music chart.