Jade Thirlwall hints there could be a collab with Calvin Harris in the works
Little Mix start their hiatus next week
As Little Mix near the end of their 'Confetti' Tour, the last before they start their hiatus, Jade Thirlwall has been exciting fans after hinting that there could be a collab coming with Scottish DJ, Calvin Harris.
The 'Power' singer commented on a recent post by Calvin announcing his album, 'Funk Wav Bounces Vol.2' would be 'COMING SOON 👂🏻🧠👂🏻'.
Jade was one of the first to comment saying: 'We’re ready 🦩', and although many other artists commented on his post, it was Jade's that drew attention, with many replying: 'possible collab in the works? 🧐', 'wait a minute...' and 'Calvin Harris and Little Mix collab🔥🔥'.
And, while this hasn't been confirmed by either Calvin or Jade, it wouldn't be the first time that Jade has teamed up with a DJ, with Jax Jones saying: "I was in the studio with Jade and she is mega-cool and super-talented. She is also such fun to be around.
"We wrote something really cool so hopefully that can come out too."
Of course, as part of Little Mix, Jade has also worked with Galantis and David Guetta too on 'Heartbreak Anthem'.
This tease comes after Tuesday night's episode of The One Show (10th May), where Little Mix fought back the tears during their last interview before starting their hiatus. With rumours that all three girls will be embarking on solo careers, Jade said: "No matter what we do going forward, we’ve got each other to support each other through that.
"This is all we’ve known. Our whole adult lives, we’ve been in this group together, supporting each other, and that’s not going to change once we start doing our own thing in the future."
The group are set to perform 'The Last Show (For Now...)' on Saturday night, with a live stream letting fans watch from the comfort of their own home, or out with friends at a cinema.
Meanwhile, Calvin Harris looks set to release the follow-up to his 2017 album 'Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1' very soon. The DJ has shared a number of posts about his new release, and fellow DJ Tiësto has even sparked collab rumours between Calvin Harris and David Guetta, after they both shared the same photo on Instagram, with Tiësto commenting: 'We need that collab between you guys!!🔥🔥.
You can hear songs by Little Mix and Calvin Harris on Downtown Radio.
Now take a look through Jade Thirlwall's career:
2008 - Jade's first audition on The X Factor
Jade first auditioned on The X Factor back in 2008 at the age of just 15. Singing Whitney Houston's song 'Where Do Broken Hearts Go', the Geordie girl impressed Louis Walsh, Cheryl Tweedy and Simon Cowell enough to be sent through to the bootcamp stage, but unfortunately she didn't progress any further.
Undeterred, Jade auditioned on The X Factor again in 2010, but once again it wasn't to be. Matt Cardle won the competition that year, with One Direction being runners up.
2011 - Little Mix won The X Factor
It was third time lucky for Jade as she won The X Factor as part of Little Mix. It wasn't an easy ride though as she failed the first bootcamp challenge to get through to the girls category. Luckily for Jade, she was brought back as part of a three-piece group along with Leigh-Anne Pinnock, while Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson returned in another group. Despite both groups being eliminated from the competition, it was decided that the four girls would be brought back as a four-piece group. They went on to win the competition, becoming the first group to do so. And as they say, the rest is history.
2019 - RuPaul's Drag Race UK appearance
During her time in the band, JADE appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race UK alongside RuPaul, Michelle Visage and Graham Norton. She was in the episode Girl Group Battle Royale, which was the fifth episode of season one and aired in October. Ahead of her appearance, she tweeted: 'THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME I'M NOT OKAY.' She was such a popular addition to the show that she returned in 2022.
This was a busy year for JADE - aside from her RuPaul appearance and hard work as one-quarter of Little Mix, she also opened a cocktail bar in her hometown of South Shields. Originally called Red Door, it was changed to Arbeia in 2020, which was also the year she opened a nightclub called Industry just next door.
She also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with Leigh-Anne to raise money for Comic Relief's Red Nose Day. The 10-day trek took its toll on JADE, who wrote on Instagram: 'Climbing Kilimanjaro was mentally and physically exhausting, and by far the hardest thing I have ever done! I am unbelievably proud of myself for pushing myself to the limit and discovering a strength I never knew I had.'
2021 - Jade appeared on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off
Appearing on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off for charity alongside KSI, Stacey Dooley and Katherine Ryan, JADE was crowned the winner of her episode. The singer wowed Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith with her recreation of one of the group's concerts in front of thousands of biscuit fans. Upon winning, JADE told the camera: "I can't believe it, I'm in shock! My mam will be so proud. I think I might even frame my apron or just start wearing it all the time to remind myself."
Jade also won the Allyship award at the Gay Times Honours.
2022 - Little Mix announce their hiatus
Following the departure of Jesy Nelson, Little Mix announced that they were taking a break from the group after they'd finished their 'Confetti Tour', which took place in 2022. They wrote: 'We are not splitting up - Little Mix are here to stay 💫 We have plans for more music, tours and performances in the future. We've made so many incredible memories with you all, and we can't wait to make so many more.'
2024 - 'Angel Of My Dreams' and 'Midnight Cowboy'
Jade released her first solo song in 2024, the incredible tune 'Angel Of My Dreams' on Friday 19th July 2024, with a first official play on-air the previous evening. The sensational video came out on the Friday, with Jade using it to show her "love/hate relationship with the music industry". Fans were utterly obsessed from the get-go, with many flooding the comments section of her YouTube premiere with words of praise and encouragement. It's safe to say it's a hit!
It wasn't too long for fans to wait for new music following this release, as JADE put out 'Midnight Cowboy' in September. On 22nd September, Jade teased that she was set to release another bop - featuring a very familiar voice! Ncuti Gatwa, who fans know from his starring roles in titles such as Sex Education, Doctor Who and Barbie, lent his voice to the song and also appeared in the video. Shortly after the teaser clip was shared, Jade wrote: 'I didn't want you all to have to wait so long for music again'. As well as reportedly working with RAYE on writing the song, Ncuti's voice can be heard in the opening of the track.
2025 - Jade releases 'IT Girl'
Jade released her first single of the year on Friday 10th January. It is another banger called 'IT Girl', and Jade described it as the "little sister" of 'Angel of My Dreams'.
2025 - Wins her first solo BRIT Award
Jade released her first single of the year on Friday 10th January, another banger called 'IT Girl', which JADE described as the "little sister" of 'Angel of My Dreams'. Also that month, it was revealed JADE was up for two awards at the BRIT Awards 2025 with Mastercard. Her debut single 'Angel Of My Dreams' was nominated for Song of the Year, while Jade herself was up for Pop Act! At the event on 1st March, Jade was announced as the winner of Pop Act, beating tough competition from Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Lola Young and Myles Smith, while Song of the Year went to Charli XCX for 'Guess' featuring Billie Eilish. At the event, Jade also put on a memorable performance of her debut solo 'Angel Of My Dreams'.
She then put out yet another single. Released on 14th March 2025, Jade's song 'FUFN' is all about "channelling female rage". She told us in an interview: "I think for me this one is my sort of 'all guns blazing', big pop moment."
Later that month, Jade was announced as part of the Glastonbury Festival line-up. She performed on Saturday 28th on the Woodsies Stage, on the same day as Charli XCX, RAYE and Neil Young.
2025 - Jade released debut solo album
Jade released her debut solo album 'That's Showbiz Baby!' on 12th September 2025 ahead of her solo tour. The album features 14 songs including her amazing debut solo hit 'Angel of My Dreams'. Then on 5th December she released 'That's Showbiz Baby! The Encore', which feature an additional eight songs.
Following the release of her debut album, JADE went on her UK and Ireland tour. The tour started in Dublin on 7th October, before she travelled across the UK, ending in Newcastle on 23rd October.
In November that year, fellow Geordie Cheryl presented JADE with her Musician of the Year Award, at the Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year Awards 2025. Speaking about JADE, Cheryl said: "She and I have a lot in common: we're both from the north-east of England and we both grew up determined to follow our dreams of making it in the world of pop music.
"It takes a lot of courage to audition for a talent show, not least one that's going to be broadcast on national television, where people will be following your every move. It takes energy and passion to thrive as part of a chart-topping, record-smashing girl band. But it takes even more bravery to go it alone as a musician, and the singer I'm about to welcome on this stage has done exactly that."
2025: Awarded the Freedom of South Tyneside
It was announced in October 2025 that JADE would receive the Freedom of the Borough from South Tyneside Council, with council leader Tracey Dixon saying she "could not be more deserving of the marvellous tribute," adding that she was nominated due to "her outstanding contribution as a cultural ambassador and her ongoing commitment to South Tyneside." Councillor David Francis praised how she'd used her "platform to speak out and amplify the voices of the marginalised."
Jade received the incredible commendation on 18th December 2025, writing on Instagram: 'I was very nervous as I don't really enjoy public speaking but looking around the room I reminded myself I was surrounded by people I love and who got me to where I am today. What an honour this was, with my family and friends all by my side - my only wish was that my grandparents and great aunt could have been there, all dressed up, celebrating together. Maybe they were 🌌 .' (sic)
Now read:
Jade Thirlwall's rise to fame from The X Factor winner to Star Baker
Tiësto teases a potential collab between David Guetta and Calvin Harris
Here's how to watch Little Mix's last ever show of their 'Confetti' tour