Famous as one of four in the successful British girl group “Little Mix”, this former member has clearly demonstrated her ability to thrive as a solo artist. With her charismatic presence, powerful vocals, and activism, this Geordie artist commands the stage, JADE has the perfect ingredients to make the new ‘pop girlie’ recipe.
Little Mix were undoubtedly a pioneer of the 2010s pop industry, with over a decade of success, the three remaining members decided a hiatus was overdue, and it was time for them to discover their own creative passions in 2021. The year prior Jesy decided to leave the band, this departure marked the beginning of the end of Little Mix as Little Mix were becoming a fading force. Jade quickly received interest from record companies wanting to scoop up the future pop megastar and she was signed to RCA Records in early 2022.
Jade, known for her authenticity, took two years to release her first single, with impatient fans desperate to see what avenue she would go down. Well, it was certainly worth the wait. Her debut single, “Angel Of My Dreams” was released in the summer of 2024. The song was a super raw and vulnerable song. Thirlwall detailed her love-hate relationship with the music industry, her vulnerability mixed in with a catchy melody, placing her at a respectable number 7 in the UK charts. Fans praised Thirlwall and compared her successful single release to that of Gewn Stefani’s debut success, after leaving No Doubt.
JADE won her first ever solo BRIT award in March of this year, for best ‘pop act’ , voted for by the fans. It was evident to see she has a fiercely loyal fan base that whole heartily believes in her. She performed an unforgettable performance during the award show, which brought ‘angel of my dreams’ to life. This included many costume changes, dances and saw her being dropped off a platform!
I had the privilege of witnessing JADE live during the summer when global superstar, Chappell Roan, performed two sold-out dates in Scotland’s capital to a crowd of over 100,000 in two days. She asked for Jade to be her support act; this was easily the biggest venue the solo artist had played since her Little Mix days. A huge gig for an artist who hadn’t even released her debut album yet! With her album ‘That’s Showbiz Baby’ just weeks away from its release, Chappell Roan couldn’t have selected anyone more suitable for the role. Speaking to some friends who were going to the event, they were equally excited for Jade, as they were the main act of the evening.
Jade captivated Chappell’s crowd—her production, dancers, and vocals demonstrated her capivating stage presence and experience. Despite only having five solo songs released, at the time, she performed a unique medley of Little Mix hits to great effect. The audience responded enthusiastically, showcasing her ability as more than just a former group member. She proved her popularity and talent as a support act, standing out on her own merit.
Jade shows her love and appreciation of Little Mix constantly; she reminds fans that the band isn’t completely over, just yet, ‘it’s just a hiatus’ is an often-lyric change in her shows, which pleases many fans. She frequently shows appreciation for her bandmates, Perrie and Leigh-Anne, on their solo adventures. The trio often post their support for each other, which is refreshing and a great example. Women should be uplifting other women. Not comparing and shaming one another.
‘That’s Showbiz Baby’ was launched to the world on the 12th September 2025 , JADE’s album rollout was staggering. A sold-out UK-wide signing at HMV, which allowed fans to meet and get an autograph from the artist. JADE also launched a pop-up in London in which she personally handed out free merchandise and newspapers related to the album and took selfies with her fans. Her team worked tirelessly and her debut album earned a third-place spot on the albums charts behind Twentyone Pilots and Ed Sheeran which is some achievement as her competition was some of the most established in the music industry! Jade also made TV appearances in America, appearing and performing on the Late NIght with Seth Meyers show. This proved successful as JADE sold out her US tour and had to upgrade venues due to demand. Little Mix really struggled to make the same impact in America as they did in the UK, JADE is making her own success and breaking into the American market. JADE held a launch party in a tiny caravan. She posted on social media encouraging fans to attend. When midnight struck, fans and the artist could listen to the new album together. Fans gathered in their masses to be the first to listen to the highly anticapted album.
JADE, despite huge success, never forgets her roots and hosted this event next to the Angel of the North statue, which is situated in her hometown, Newcastle. In true JADE style, she speaks her mind, no media training, just her thoughts. She made a clear protest to a St Georges flag that had been pinned on the statue, which can be associated with an anti immigration symbol. She expressed her anger and her pride to be half Yemeni, and that she opposed patriotism being used to incite prejudice and division. ‘If I had a ladder, I would take it down!’ She proclaimed to her fans who were in support of her . ‘I’m very proud to come form the North East, I AM a product of immigration. One of the best things about the North East is our diversity, its our cultural hub, it’s our respect for each other. Its being proud of your neighbours and celebrating that.’
Jade’s authenticity and no fear to challenge political agendas make her so likable and relatable. There is nothing worse than an artist who doesn’t use their platform for good.
JADE launched her first-ever solo tour at the start of the month. With a successful festival run, many fans were very excited to see her album come to life. She certainly delivered; she has created a concert that perfectly encapsulates a typical show, the highs and lows and certainly that euphoric feeling that comes along with being a performer. The show is broken down into a disco, pop, and ballad section, which makes for a highly entertaining show. JADE also goes onto the balcony to perform one of her slower songs. She engages with the entire audience and provides a highly intimate experience, and once again puts her fans at the forefront. She delivers various looks that are all on theme with her album and many props relating to her songs, which help bring the album to life. The key to an artist’s success is knowing your genre and sticking to it. That’s when we’ve seen the best of artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, JADE has the potential to reach this level of popularity.
Image Credit- Eve McKenna
JADE performing her hit song ‘Before You Break My Heart’ in Glasgow.
JADE is non-stop with her commitments at the moment. She featured on PinkPantherss’ viral hit song ‘Tonight’, the artist she collaborated with has an average of 20 million plus monthly listeners on Spotify. JADE being recognised by bigger artists is a good reason for that; this will help her propel into stardom.
Last week JADE’s disco style single ‘Fantasy’ featured on the Victoria Secret fashion show, arguably the biggest fashion show, the show currently stands at 29 million youtube views.
In a pop world often dominated by headline drama, Jade Thirlwall stands apart. She puts fans front and centre, building fierce loyalty with authenticity and connection. To quote JADE ‘I am the IT girl’ and she truly is that.
With her popularity rapidly rising, now is the time to recognise JADE as the next pop ‘IT GIRL’ before the world catches on. All JADE needs now is her so-called ‘espresso’ moment to propel her into the star she is deserving of..
