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Jade Thirlwall Reflects on 'Cut-Throat' Little Mix Years as Solo Career Soars

She describes struggling most after the group’s 2022 hiatus before finding footing as a solo artist.

Overview

  • In a new Harper’s Bazaar UK cover story, Thirlwall says Little Mix operated in a “cut-throat” environment where success felt like walking a “tightrope.”
  • She recalls a pre‑Get Weird sleepover where the group cried over fears they’d be dropped if a single failed to reach the Top 10.
  • Thirlwall says she had the hardest adjustment after the 2022 hiatus, sought therapy, and worried about relevance as she contemplated launching solo.
  • Under the name JADE, she signed with RCA, scored a No. 7 UK single with Angel of My Dreams, earned a No. 3 album with That’s Showbiz Baby, sold out a headline tour, and picked up honors including BRIT Best Pop Act and Rolling Stone UK Trailblazer.
  • She recounts hearing racist slurs growing up and feeling shame about her Arab and Muslim heritage, and notes recent encouragement from Mel C and Lily Allen as she avoids X and reaches out to support newer artists.