Zayn Malik makes album chart history

Former One Direction member, Zayn Malik. Photo / Getty Images

The former One Direction star's Mind of Mine has hit the top spot on the Billboard 200 albums countdown with sales of 157,000.

He also becomes the first male UK artist to reach number one with their first album since George Michael climbed to the top with Faith almost 30 years ago.

Michael's album took nine weeks to get to the top.

Malik is also the first UK act to debut at No.1 with their first album since One Direction managed the feat with Up All Night in 2012.

He's the first UK act to hit the top of the Billboard 200 and the Official UK Albums Chart with a debut since Susan Boyle's I Dreamed a Dream in 2009.

In addition Malik's album also landed the top spot on Australia's ARIA Chart.

K. Michelle's More Issues Than Vogue is also a high debut on the new Billboard 200 at two, while Rihanna's Anti stays put at three.

Justin Bieber's Purpose and 25 by Adele round out the new top five.

- AAP