Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall has opened up about her struggles within the group, expressing concerns she had about their future. The popular band, which originated on the X Factor in 2011, achieved remarkable success over the years.
In 2022, Little Mix announced their decision to take a break to rejuvenate and pursue individual projects. Jade revealed the intense competitiveness of the music industry, often fearing the possibility of being dropped by their record label.
Reflecting on their past achievements, Jade recalled moments of uncertainty before the release of their album “Get Weird,” where they feared being dropped if their songs didn’t make it to the Top 10. Despite the pressure, their lead single “Black Magic” topped the charts, contributing to their nine years of continuous success until Jesy Nelson’s departure in 2020.
Jesy cited mental health reasons for leaving the group, a topic she discussed openly in her documentary “Odd One Out.” Following Jesy’s exit, Jade, along with Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, continued performing for two more years.
Upon Little Mix’s disbandment, Jade, aged 32, found it challenging to transition to life outside the group. With the support of therapy and her boyfriend, Jordan Stephens of Rizzle Kicks, she eventually embarked on her solo music career.
Struggling more than her former bandmates, Jade admitted feeling lost as Little Mix had been her focus since she was 18. In 2024, she released her debut solo single, “Angel of My Dreams,” reaching number seven on the charts.
Her first self-penned album, “That’s Showbiz Baby,” made a significant impact as the fastest-selling debut album of the year, receiving critical acclaim and peaking at number three in the charts within its first week.
Following her success, Jade clinched the Best Pop Act award at the Brit Awards. She emphasized the importance of creative control in her solo career, aiming to showcase herself as an artist with a distinct vision.
While it took her three years to release her debut album post-split, Jade is eager to expedite her next project. Currently, she is already working on new material, preparing for a tour across the US and Europe in the upcoming year. Meanwhile, her former bandmate Perrie is making appearances on BBC Two’s “Girlbands Forever,” featuring interviews with members of various iconic girl groups.
“Girlbands Forever” is set to air on BBC Two at 9 pm tomorrow (November 8).
