Zayn Malik Performs Four Unreleased Songs in Las Vegas Residency Premiere: ‘It Feels Like a Dream’

Zayn Malik is rolling the dice on Las Vegas.

On Tuesday, the “Pillowtalk” singer, 33, kicked off the first of his seven Vegas residency shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM, and he spanned his catalog, performing newer songs, older songs and even multiple unreleased songs.

“I’ve been in the studio a bit, got a new record for you guys now, pretty soon. I’m really excited about that, and obviously, we’re going to be playing you some new songs tonight that you’ve never heard before,” he teased early on as fans affectionately “woofed” at him, as has become tradition at his concerts.

Coming to the stage in a blue military jacket with gold epaulettes, Malik hit the ground running with “She” from his debut album, Mind of Mine. It wasn’t long before the soulful singer slowed things down and got into what he called the “emotional” part of the show, performing fan favorites like “Scripted” and “Lied To,” in which lyrics flashed across the oversized screens behind him and on the sides of the stage. 

“We’re ready to take the vibes down for a second, get emotional, deep in our feelings,” the “Borders” singer said. 

During the sultry rendition of “It’s You,” a single spotlight shone on Malik as fluid green graphics, akin to the Northern Lights, appeared on a screen behind him. In keeping the mood, fans turned on their cell phone flashlights, creating an indelible, unscripted moment.

“I don’t know how I’m here. It still kind of feels a little bit like a dream to me,” Malik said of the residency shows.

Keeping the show simple, the former One Direction singer often used subtle graphics, a rarity with residency shows, keeping all the attention on him and his eight-person all-female band.

As he settled into the 80-minute show, Malik delivered on his new music promise, performing several unreleased songs, called “Used to the Blues,” “Die For Me,” “Fatal” and “Take Turns.” He also performed “Drunk” from his debut album for the first time ever. 

“I told you I’d be singing songs I’ve never performed before. I didn’t say you haven’t heard the song before,” he said of the 2016 song.

The opening night comes as Malik gets over an illness, telling the crowd that he’s been sick for two weeks with a sinus infection. In between songs, he often sipped tea.

“My voice is a bit dry, so thank you guys immensely for being patient with me,” he said near the end of the show. 

While rumors about a Harry Styles residency have persisted for years, Malik is the first of the One Direction members to nab a Vegas show, which comes less than two years after releasing his fourth studio album, Room Under the Stairs, and set out on his first-ever solo tour, some of which was rescheduled following the death of Liam Payne in October 2024.