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.
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.
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, and that year she also opened a nightclub called Industry next door to her cocktail bar, as well as collaborating with clothing brand Skinnydip London.
2019 - Jade Thirlwall climbed Mount Kilimanjaro
2019 was a busy year for Jade. The singer, along with her Little Mix bandmate Leigh-Anne, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Comic Relief's Red Nose Day.
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 - 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.'
2023 - Jade teases work on solo music
Following the announcement that Jade had signed a solo deal with RCA Records in March 2022, she 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 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, who wrote: 'Drop the album already.'
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.
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
In January 2025, 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'.
2025 - Jade releases 'FUFN'
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. 'FUFN' is about like channelling female rage and just letting someone have it. You know when you're in an argument and you feel like it's the worst thing ever in the moment? Hoping that the next day it will all blow over, it will be fine. Which I think is very relatable."
2025 - Jade performs at Glastonbury
In March 2025, Jade was announced as part of the upcoming 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.
2025: Jade went on her UK and Ireland tour
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.
2025: Awarded the Freedom of the Borough
It was announced in October 2025 that JADE will receive the Freedom of the Borough from South Tyneside Council! Council leader Tracey Dixon said 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." She'll receive the award at a future point.
2025: JADE received Harpers Bazaar Award
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: JADE performed at Hits Radio Live Birmingham
JADE joined the huge line-up at Hits Radio Live Birmingham on 21st November 2025. The singer performed her huge songs 'FUFN', 'Plastic Box', and 'Fantasy', ending with her debut solo hit 'Angel of My Dreams'.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Jade Thirlwall's solo music
Jade Thirlwall drops new teaser for debut solo track 'Angel Of My Dreams'
Jade Thirlwall: Everything you need to know about the singer