Jade Thirlwall: Everything you need to know about the singer 💕
We love Jade!
Jade Thirlwall was one-third of one of the biggest girl groups in the world, Little Mix, before they started their hiatus in 2022! Despite taking a break, Jade, along with Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, is one of the most influential young people in the world right now.
As Jade continues her relationship with Rizzle Kicks star Jordan Stephenson, and embarks on her solo career with her debut single, followed by 'Midnight Cowboy', and now 'Fantasy'. Jade has also said there will be a Little Mix reunion, at some point, and her solo album will be out in 2025. So, read more about what the South Shields-born singer is up to - including all your burning questions about her solo music...
Jade's debut solo single
After months of teasing, it was revealed on 2nd July 2024 that Jade's first solo track 'Angel Of My Dreams' had an official release date! Sharing the official cover art for her debut single, Jade also shared a short snippet from the song, getting fans excited and teasing what we can expect from her solo venture.
Dropping the all-important release date of 19th July 2024, Jade simple captioned the post: 'Angel Of My Dreams. 19 July. Pre-save now. 🪽'. (sic)
Jade fans were absolutely over the moon on Thursday 18th July 2024 when her debut solo single, 'Angel Of My Dreams', was released - and again the following day, when she released the sensational music video to accompany it on Friday 19th.
Taking to Instagram, Jade wrote: 'Angel Of My Dreams is officially out in the world and I don’t know whether to cry or laugh ... 😂 This song means everything to me - my love/hate letter to the music industry, telling my story from the beginning of my journey to now. It’s the perfect introduction and launch into my world as a solo artist so buckle ... up lolllll.' (sic)
WATCH: Jade 'Angel Of My Dreams' official music video
Fans of the singer were instantly obsessed with the hit single and its video, taking to the comments on YouTube as it premiered to shower Jade with praise. One wrote: 'the production, the vocals, the looks, the choreo, the chaos ?!?!? IT’S JADE SUMMER NOW,' while another added: 'I love how JADE isn't afraid to take risks! A true popstar in the making!' (sic)
Jade's second song 'Midnight Cowboy'
Jade got fans talking on 22nd September when she shared a snippet of a brand new track! In a short video, featuring a cameo from none other than Ncuti Gatwa, Jade teased a short snippet of her new track, soon writing: 'I didn’t want you all to have to wait so long for music again 💙MIDNIGHT COWBOY💙 is a gift from me to you until my next single drops 🌟'. (sic)
She dropped a visualiser video for the new track the following day, on 25th September 2024. Ncuti's voice features at the start of the track, saying: "They call, they call her... Calamity JADE".
Jade's third song 'Fantasy'
Jade has now announced her third song is called 'Fantasy' and will be released on 18th October. The singer also shared a short clip of the song for her fans.
Jade's debut solo album
Not a huge amount is known about Jade's debut solo album, however the singer has confirmed it will be released in 2025. She's also confirmed she has decided the name of the album, and the artwork as been designed.
Chatting to KISS FM, Jade also revealed what the album will sound like, saying: "I think this album as a whole is about me, kind of I wanted to literally sound like I'm finding myself and this experimentation of sounds and influences and genres.
"Why not have a chaotic first pop album? You know, and let the fans in on that experience, and it's been so fun to make genuinely.
"You know, obviously there's the slow songs on there, but there's I'd say a lot of the musical influences on the record as a whole are like the stuff I listened to growing up, which would be a bit of like Diana Ross, but then mixed him with, like Cascada, mixed in with a bit of Janet."
What is Jade doing now?
Jade is still besties with her former bandmates! They're regularly spotted together hanging out at events and supporting each other's solo music - the Little Mix bond is still well and truly alive.
When it comes to music, Jade announced in March 2022 that she had signed a solo deal with RCA Records - and from that moment, began teasing us all with multiple studio shots. Upping the ante in June 2024, she told her fans that her new music was coming soon, going on to reveal a month later that her debut solo single 'Angel Of My Dreams' was set for release on 19th July.
Where is Jade Thirlwall from?
As you can maybe tell from Jade's accent, she's a Geordie lass! Jade is from Laygate in South Shields, Tyne and Wear. She opened up a cocktail bar called Red Door in South Shields in October 2019 and often visits the bar when she's in her hometown.
Fun fact: Jade and Perrie used to live a few miles away from each other, but never met before The X Factor! Jade is one-quarter Egyptian and one-quarter Yemeni.
When's her birthday?
Jade's birthday is Boxing Day! She was born on 26th December 1992, making her currently 31-years-old. As the singer usually goes back to her hometown of South Shields over the Christmas break, Jade has made it a tradition to take part in the annual Boxing Day Dip in the freezing cold North Sea, raising money for Cancer Connections in the process.
How tall is she?
Jade is 5ft 3in.
Jade Thirlwall: The X Factor
Jade entered The X Factor three times, all three times as a solo artist. The first time was for series 5 in 2008, the second was series 7 in 2010 and the third was season 8 in 2011, which was when Simon Cowell was not on the judging panel.
Having originally formed a group with Leigh-Anne called Orion, they were put together with Perrie and Jesy's group Faux Pas. Mentored by Tulisa, the girls were the first group to ever win The X Factor, and are also one of the most successful acts to come out of the show.
WATCH: Jade Thirlwall's 2008 The X Factor Series 5 audition at age 15
Check out Jade Thirlwall's impressive 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.
2010 - Jade auditioned on The X Factor for a second time
Undeterred, Jade auditioned on The X Factor again, but once again it wasn't to be. Matt Cardle won the competition that year, with One Direction being runners up.
2011 - Jade won The X Factor as part of Little Mix
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, with Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson in another group. Despite both groups being eliminated from the competition, it was decided that the four girls would be brought back as a group, who went on to win the competition. And as they say, the rest is history.
2013 - Little Mix released a makeup range
Little Mix released their own makeup range, Little Mix by Collection, in 2013. The girls' range consisted of bronzer, blusher, eyeshadow, lipstick and nail polish, with each girl linked to a personal range to reflect their style. Jade Thirlwall had a turquoise eyeliner.
The following year, Little Mix released a summer collection containing moisturising lip balms. Each girl had their own scent with Jade having raspberry, Perrie had natural shimmer, Jesy had vanilla, and Leigh-Anne had mint.
2016 - Little Mix released 'Glory Days'
'Glory Days' was Little Mix's fourth studio album. The album went to Number 1 in the UK and included 'Shout Out to My Ex', which was a BRIT Award-winning song for Jade and the rest of the group.
2017 - Little Mix win their first BRIT Award
'Shout Out to My Ex' won the girls their first BRIT Award. The award was for British Single of the Year and reached Number 1 in the UK, it was co-written by Jade along with the rest of the group and a team of songwriters.
2019 - Little Mix win another BRIT Awards
Despite not winning British Group, Little Mix took home the BRIT Award for British Video of the Year, for their single 'Woman Like Me' featuring Nicki Minaj. This was also the year when it was revealed that Jade had been signed to Sony/ATV via joint venture TwentySeven, as a published songwriter along with Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
2019 - Jade Thirlwall appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race UK
The singer appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, in the episode Girl Group Battle Royale.
2019 - Jade opened a nightclub
Jade Thirlwall opened a cocktail bar in South Shields called Red Door. In 2020, the name was changed to Arbeia.
2019 - Jade Thirlwall climbed Mount Kilimanjaro
2019 was a busy year for Jade. The singer, along with her Little Mix bandmate Leigh-Anne Pinnock, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Comic Relief's Red Nose Day.
2020 - Jade opened a nightclub
Jade opened a nightclub called Industry, next door to her cocktail bar, she also collaborated with clothing brand Skinnydip London.
2021 - Little Mix get their own waxworks
To mark the band's 10th anniversary, Madame Tussauds unveiled waxworks of Little Mix, including former member Jesy Nelson.
Working with Ellesse, Jade also became the new face of the Italian sportswear brand, as well as launching her own Autumn/Winter collection.
In 2021, the singer also launched her own eyeshadow palette with Beauty Bay. The palette was inspired by Jade's love for crystals, spirituality and astrology.
2021 - Jade appeared on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off
Appearing on The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off for charity, 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.
Jade also won the Allyship award at the Gay Times Honours.
2022 - Jade was a judge at The Ciroc Iconic Vogue Ball
In June 2022, Jade was a judge at The Cîroc Iconic Vogue Ball. The Cîroc Iconic Ball took place at Koko in Camden and saw the UK's house-ballroom community unite for a celebration of Pride.
2022 - Jade attended Simon Carroll's A Disco Christmas
In December, Jade attended Simon Carroll's A Disco Christmas in support of FareShare. Simon, who is a brand partnership agency owner, held his Christmas event to raise money for a charity which fights hunger and tackles food waste in the UK.
2023 - Jade teases working on solo music
Following the announcement that Jade had signed a solo deal with RCA Records in March 2022, Jade had stayed pretty quiet on the solo music front. That was, however, until November 2023, when she shared an Instagram post showing her behind the mic. The post included an image of Jade wearing headphones in front of a recording microphone, hinting to fans that she has been working away on her upcoming solo music.
2024 - Jade posts more solo music teases
Jade got her fans whipped into a frenzy once again in May 2024, sharing a series of photos on the grid - including one of herself in a recording studio with some chunky headphones on alongside the caption: 'I'm working laaaaate cos I'm a singer,' quoting the smash hit 'Espresso' by Sabrina Carpenter. Many fans took to the comments to share their excitement - including former bandmate and BFF Leigh-Anne Pinnock, who wrote: 'Drop the album already.'
2024 - Jade announces debut solo single release date
On 2nd July 2024, Jade finally answered our prayers as she not only revealed her debut single title, but also the release date! The singer confirmed that her first solo track would be called 'Angel Of My Dreams', and would be dropping on 19th July. Jade shared the cover art for the single, as well as a short clip of the song itself - teasing a new sound we can expect to hear from her. Of course, the exciting post attracted thousands of likes and comments, including bestie Leigh-Anne Pinnock who wrote: 'Let's gooooo 😍😍😍' (sic), and boyfriend Jordan Stephens who added: 'Sweating'. It's fair to say fans couldn't wait for the track to drop, with the short teaser of the song quickly going viral on TikTok, along with an accompanying dance.
2024 - 'Angel Of My Dreams' is released
Jade released her 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!
2024 - Jade gifts fans with 'Midnight Cowboy'
On 22nd September, Jade teased that she was set to release another bop - featuring a very familiar voice! The singer shared a teaser video for 'Midnight Cowboy', not only featuring a snippet of the new song, but also Ncuti Gawta, who fans know from his starring roles in titles such as Sex Education, Doctor Who and Barbie. Shortly after the teaser clip was shared, Jade wrote: 'I didn't want you all to have to wait so long for music again 💙MIDNIGHT COWBOY💙 is a gift from me to you until my next single drops 🌟'. (sic)
With her also adding: 'oh and there's a visualiser out at 10am BST too ⛲️' (sic), it was then on 25th September that fans were gifted with the full track, along with the visualiser video on YouTube. As well as reportedly working with RAYE on writing the song, Ncuti's voice can be heard in the opening of the track.
How much is the singer worth?
In 2021, heat's Rich List ranked Little Mix at Number 3, with each of the girls having an estimated £66.7 million between them. In the 2022 edition, Jade was reported to be worth £17.5 million!
Has Jade Thirlwall won a BRIT Award?
She sure has! Little Mix have won three BRIT Awards, in 2017 they won British Single of the Year for 'Show Out To My Ex', then in 2019 their second BRIT was British Video of the Year for 'Woman Like Me' featuring Nicki Minaj. The group's third award was for Best British Group in May 2021!
Ethnicity award
Jade won an Ethnicity award along with her Little Mix bandmate Leigh-Anne Pinnock in 2020. Upon receiving the award, she said: "It is important for us as two women of colour in the music industry to share our experiences in the hope of inspiring our young fans to be proud of who they are and to make a difference in this world.
"This year has taken us on an educational journey to put words into actions and use our voices to really take a stand. I am super proud of my sister Leigh and I’m so, so happy that we get to share this achievement together."
Who is Jade dating?
Reports surfaced in May 2020 that she was dating Rizzle Kicks singer Jordan Stephens, and at the end of June the pair seemingly went public with their romance.
After they started chatting during lockdown in March, Jade and Jordan attended the Black Trans Lives Matter March arm-in-arm in London, with a cute snap of the then-new couple landing on social media.
They've gone from strength to strength in their relationship, regularly posting super cute snaps together and speaking about each other in interviews - Jade and Jordan are properly loved up!
Jade's fancy dress outfits
Jade Thirlwall isn't shy when it comes to an extravagant Halloween costume! After all, who can forget her iconic Marge Simpson outfit back in 2021?! Her latest offering may well just be the most entertaining to date, with the singer dressing up as none other than Mr. Bean.
Sharing a hilarious post to Instagram, showing off her Grade A impression of the iconic character, Jade wrote: 'Happy HallowBean 🫘'.
In October 2022, she gave us LIFE with her Halloween costume - again pairing with her boyfriend Jordan Stephenson, Jade dressed up in the best Princess Jasmine from Aladdin costume we've ever seen, with Jordan fully committing to his role as the Genie in blue body paint.
Is Jade on social media?
She sure is - find her on Instagram with the username jadethirlwall and Snapchat with the username JustJadeAmelia.
Does she have TikTok?
Yes, she is on TikTok. In April 2020, Jade hilariously recreated the viral 'Chanel the Parrot' video. The original video was of a woman from Liverpool shouting for her pet parrot Chanel to come back, after it flew out of her window over the weekend, leaving her distraught. Thankfully, she got her bird back!
Which TV shows has Jade Thirlwall been on?
Jade as a RuPaul's Drag Race judge
Jade has been a guest judge on the UK series of RuPaul's Drag Race. Known to be a huge fan of the drag community and a big LGBTQ+ ally, Jade's friends include famous drag queens Courtney Act, Alaska and Willam, after they featured in Little Mix's music video for 'Power'. She even turned down a holiday with her boyfriend to go to the LA Drag Con.
Announcing the news on the show's official Twitter account, the hit show posted a picture of Jade posing next to her Drag Race dressing room. They captioned the image, 'Opulence! She! Is! EVERYTHING!'
Revealing her excitement to be joining the show, Jade said, 'I love everything about drag. I love that it's art. I love how fabulous it is, how fun it is, I love that you can transform your body into a fantastic beautiful woman... the whole thing! I just wish in my next life I can be a drag queen.'
She also appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs THE WORLD in February 2022!
Did she win Celebrity Bake Off?
Jade took part in the 2021 series of Celebrity Bake Off, for Stand Up to Cancer. The show, which is a celebrity version of the iconic Great British Bake Off, included some HUGE names, including Alexandra Burke, Dizzee Rascal, KSI and Anne-Marie.
Sharing the wonderful news on her Instagram, Jade wrote: 'Not the iconic bake off music behind a pic of me on my fave show 😭 You heard it here last cos I’m the worst to post content on time BUT I can’t tell you how gagged I am to be on @britishbakeoff for @su2cuk 💛 swipe for some of my previous baking adventures' (sic).
Despite joking about her past 'baking adventures', Jade actually came out on top, being crowned the winner of her week on the show! The singer said: "I can’t believe it, I’m in shock. My mam will be so proud. I think I might need a framed apron or I might just wear it all the time to remind myself of my success!"
She also celebrated the win on her Instagram, writing, 'I'M A WINNER, BABY 🎂Thank you for having me @britishbakeoff - dream come true 😭 Probably not the best show stopper you’ve ever seen 😂 but I’m super proud of myself and everyone else who got involved! If you can, please keep donating to @su2cuk 💛' (sic).
Jade Thirlwall and Kamille
Jade made an appearance in the music video for South London singer-songwriter Kamille's track 'Mirror Mirror'. The song, along with the video, shared an empowering message about self-love, self-respect and self-worth, and also includes an appearance from MNEK.
Taking to Instagram to share a stunning snap of herself with Kamille, Jade wrote, 'MIRROR MIRROR by our girl @kamille featuring a lil cameo from myself and the gorgey @mnek is out now!! What a dream it was making an appearance in this fairytale of a video 💖 Get listening and remind yourself you’re the BADDEST 💫Directed by @rebekahbcreative 👏🏽' (sic).
Jade opens up about anorexia
Jade suffered from anorexia between the ages of 13-18, and she revealed her Little Mix band mates helped her recover. Admitting landing a place in the girl band 'saved her', Jade praised her fellow band mates for being her support system.
She told The Guardian: "At school, I was bullied a lot about my colour. I became incredibly insecure, and was anorexic from 13 to 18. My saving grace was being put in a group where we supported each other and gave each other confidence boosts.
"Going on the X Factor and being put into Little Mix helped me to recover. I knew I’d never be able to be a singer and live my dream if I stayed the way I was; having that goal was my light at the end of the tunnel."
When did she split up with Jed Elliot?
Jade split up with The Struts' Jed Elliot in July 2019 after starting a relationship in February 2015. A source told MailOnline: "Jade and Jed have decided to end the relationship. There is honestly no big drama, it has just sadly run its course.
"They spent so much time apart as Jed is on tour constantly in the USA with his band The Struts. And obviously Jade is super busy with Little Mix promo – and about to start a massive LM5 tour."
Although neither Jade nor Jed confirmed the split, Jade did post a picture of herself using the then-popular Face App as an elderly lady, with her hand held up - with many fans thinking that this was Jade showing off that she is single and wasn't wearing an engagement or wedding ring. She accompanied the post with: 'i’m not even mad tho,' adding further fuel to the fire.
When she started dating The Struts bassist back in February 2015, Jade admitted at the time that it was 'love at first sight'.
Did Jade Thirlwall pass her driving test?
She sure did! In February 2024, Jade shared a photo to her Instagram page, where she was proudly holding her pass certificate. Captioning the post, she wrote: 'Beep beep b------ I just passed my driving test. ty RED & my instructor Kam - our lessons may have ended but our mutual love for croissants lives on✨ just need to find a car now teehe.' (sic)
Does she have any tattoos?
Yes, Jade has a number of tattoos. In December 2021, Jade revealed a tattoo she had to commemorate 10 years of Little Mix. The singer took to her Instagram Stories to share a pic of the inking saying: 'To commemorate 10 years of @littlemix'.
You can hear Little Mix's biggest hits on the Forth 1 playlist!
Read more:
Little Mix: Get to know the nation's biggest girl band
Little Mix's biggest collaborations so far 🙌
12 facts to make you fall in love with Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall ✨