Zayn Malik Thanks Former Bandmates During Asian Awards 2015 [VIDEO]

While we freaked out (in a good way) about Zayn Malik's new hairstyle, the former One Direction member accepted the award for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the Asian Awards 2015. And although he was humbled by the honor, he didn't forget to show some love for his former bandmates.

"I'd also like to take this moment to thank four of the best guys I've ever met [in One Direction], everything I've done with them will stay with me for the rest of my life. I thank you for that," Zayn told the audience during his acceptance speech at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on April 17.

Zayn also recognized his parents for "making me Asian," which inspired laughs throughout the crowd, as well as his close friend and recent collaborator Naughty Boy, who also attended that evening. As cameras flashed in his face, Zayn made sure to show appreciation for all those who went before him and essentially paved the way for him to get to where he is today.

"It's so humbling to accept an award on the same stage as so many people I've looked up to throughout my life," he said at the beginning of his speech. You can watch Zayn's full acceptance speech above.

During the awards ceremony Now Magazine caught up with Naughty Boy, who couldn't stop praising the pop singer for being a great artist but, more importantly, a stellar friend. "He's a good friend of mine," he told Now Magazine, "and in this business it's hard to make good friends. I'm so excited for him to be getting his award."

Naughty Boy also made sure to address the leaked track that the two recently worked on and explained that it's not going to be on a solo album anytime soon. "The leaked demo wasn't a single," the producer said. "There's no campaign or agenda, we're just music people getting creative. There's no plan, he's just going to be himself. He's more relaxed now because he's more in control. And that's not to do with making music, that's to do with his life."

Naughty Boy also said that Zayn is just doing his thing and living his life at the moment, but there might be a possibility that Zayn will pick up a new instrument. "He might learn the guitar, who knows," Naughty Boy said.

Congratulations to Zayn on his award!

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