Zayn Malik has beaten Adele to claim the number one spot in this week’s album chart.
His debut solo album, Mind Of Mine, finished just over 4,000 combined sales ahead of her third album, 25, according to the Official Charts Company.
Adele performs at the Brits (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
25 is now in second place on the chart, with new album entries in the top five from US rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa and British singer Birdy respectively.
“I want to thank all the fans and my team at RCA and First Access Entertainment for everything they have done to help me start my journey as a solo artist,” Zayn said. “It really is the beginning.”
He added: “I can’t believe that I have managed to achieve this as a solo artist. I am very proud coming from Bradford achieving this in my home country. It’s mind-blowing to me. I don’t take the support I have received for granted. My life at 23 could have been very different.”
Zayn Malik in February (John Salangsang/AP)
Since leaving popular boy band One Direction last year, Zayn has changed his image and music style. His single Pillowtalk earned him the top spot in the singles chart a few weeks ago and was a clear departure from the type of music he produced while in One Direction.
Canadian singer Justin Bieber has dominated the charts for a solid few weeks and maintains his presence as his album, Purpose, sits comfortably in fifth position.
Justin Bieber on his Purpose World Tour (Chris Pizzello/AP)
In the singles chart, Mike Posner’s I Took A Pill In Ibiza celebrates a third consecutive week in the number one position.
The American singer’s song has also now been gold certified for passing 400,000 combined sales, with the remix by Norwegian duo Seeb reaching 84,000 combined chart sales this week.
Mike said: “To be Number 1 in the UK is quite an honour. I appreciate you making sure I don’t have to get another job, and can do art full-time, and that’s pretty cool.”
Fifth Harmony’s song Work From Home is in second place, with Lukas Graham’s 7 Years in third position, Sia’s Cheap Thrills in fourth and Swedish singer Zara Larsson in fifth position.
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