Zayn Malik has admitted that he very nearly didn’t turn up to his X Factor audition back in 2010.

The One Direction star applied for the ITV show in 2008 and 2009 but never showed up for his tryout and he admitted that he was ready to chicken out of the performing again, if it had not been for his very insistent mum.

Speaking to Seventeen magazine, the hunk confessed that his mum forced him to go along and sing for Simon Cowell and co and we bet he’s grateful now.

Zayn explained:

“I was nervous, I applied when I was 15 and 16 but then I never signed up for the auditions. I wasn’t going to audition again but my mum literally dragged me there when I was 17.”

Malik added:

“I was a very introverted, quiet, reserved person. I loved singing but I never had any major experience doing it and I didn’t know what to expect. Not knowing what could happen was very daunting for me.”

The singing caused some nerves, but the dancing brought things to a whole other level and X Factor fans will know that One Direction almost lost Zayn even before they were put together, after he refused to take part in a dance masterclass at bootcamp. Watch the video below.

Malik also revealed that he still gets shaky on stage and that the two years of performing experience haven’t completely cured his stage fright. When asked if he gets nervous before singing, he admitted:

“Yeah! But I’ve got four of my closest friends on stage with me for support. I tell myself now how many people would kill to be in my position. So to do it halfheartedly would be a little stupid and to let me lack of confidence hold me back would be silly.”

What do you think Directioners? Do you think Zayn’s shyness is kind of cute? Read the part of the interview where he talks about his bad boy status and relationship with Perrie Edwards here.

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