9 times Jade Thirlwall and her mum Norma were the CUTEST on Instagram ❤️
They're serious BFFs!
Jade Thirlwall has made it no secret how close she is to her mum Norma Thirlwall, she's even written a song inspired by her! Despite rising to fame as one-third of one of the biggest girl bands of all time, Little Mix, and becoming a huge solo singer in her own right, Jade has stayed grounded and humble - and that's partly down to her brilliant relationship with her mam!
Jade and her mam are always sharing sweet snaps on social media with each other and going to gigs together - Norma even enjoys the odd night out with Jade! We absolutely love how close the pair are, so we've gathered together our favourite moments between the mother and daughter duo and BFFs...
1) When Jade and her mum met Diana Ross
Jade has always spoken about how much of a fan she is of Diana Ross, and shared an incredible moment on Instagram of the pair meeting her idol in June 2019.
It's even understood Jade has taken some inspiration from Diana for her solo music, sampling The Supreme's iconic single 'Stop! In The Name of Love' on her debut album track 'Before You Break My Heart'.
2) When Norma appeared in the Little Mix 'Strip' video
Jade shared a still of herself and her mum from the 'Strip' video shoot in November 2018, praising her mum for raising her so well, writing: 'She is my ultimate WOMAN.'
She then shared more stills from the video later that month, quoting lyrics from the song in the caption.
Jade shared another photo of the video in March 2020 to celebrate International Women's Day.
Norma herself used stills from the video to praise Jade for doing so well in life in December 2018 for her birthday.
WATCH: Little Mix's official music video for 'Strip'
3) When Jade shared throwbacks of her mum from her younger days
How gorgeous was Norma on her wedding day?!
4) When Jade gave her mum a shout out on Mother's Day
In 2023, Jade shared a super cute post to celebrate her mum on Mother's Day, posting various throwbacks from throughout their lives. It's beautiful!
5) Their mutual adoration is so pure
This post from Norma is so beautiful - you can see the love they have for each other!
6) They always lift each other up
Norma shared a beautiful poem that Jade wrote for Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2020, writing about how proud she was of her daughter.
She also shared a photo of Little Mix at the BRIT Awards in 2019 to cheer them on!
In April 2021, Little Mix sat down with us to discuss their single 'Confetti' with Saweetie, and told us about one of the first few times they went to the BRIT Awards, taking their mums with them as plus ones!
Perrie said: "I think one of the nicest moments that I always think of is we went to the BRITs one time with our mams. Adele performed and we were all holding onto our mams and holding onto each other and we swayed and it was magical!" N'aww!
7) When Jade won her first solo Brit Award!
In 2025, Jade won Pop Act at the Brit Awards, her first solo Brit! Her mum took to Instagram to share a sweet snap of the pair having a hug, writing: 'Congratulations pet, you’ve just won a Brit, I’m so proud!'
8) When they did a Vogue interview and photoshoot together
In September 2020, Jade spoke to Vogue Arabia about her Egyptian-Yemeni heritage and being a good role model for her fans. Her mum was there to support her and she even took part in the interview and photoshoot.
9) Norma supporting Jade's solo music
After months of waiting, Jade finally released her debut solo music in July 2024, with single 'Angel Of My Dreams'.
Sharing the news on social, Jade uploaded a number of teasers, one of herself dancing to her new single. She wrote: 'i’ve still got it huns'. (sic)
Norma was quick to show her support for her daughter, commenting: 'You certainly have pet! ❤️'.
Who is Norma Badwi?
Badwi is the maiden name of Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall's mum, Norma Thirlwall!
Where is Norma from?
Norma is from South Shields, just like Jade! She was born there in 1958 to Mohammid Badwi and Amelia Aziz, and works as a business manager at Jade's former primary school, Laygate Primary School. Mohammid is from Yemen, and Amelia is from Egypt.
Is she married?
Norma was married to Jade's dad, James Thirlwall, but the couple divorced when Jade was younger.
Now check out Jade's career so far:
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:
Everything you need to know about Jade Thirlwall's solo music
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Jade Thirlwall: Everything you need to know about the singer