JADE, whose full name is Jade Amelia Thirlwall was born on December 26, 1992, in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, England, is a renowned English singer and songwriter who rose to fame as a member of the girl group Little Mix. The band was formed during the eighth series of The X Factor UK in 2011, Little Mix made history as the first group to win the show. The group, consisting of Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, released six studio albums and achieved nineteen UK top-ten singles, five of which reached number one. Their success was not just limited to chart performance; they also became the first girl band to win the Brit Award for British Group before going on hiatus in 2022.
Thirlwall’s early life in South Shields was deeply influenced by her mixed heritage. Born to Norma Badwi and James Thirlwall, she has Egyptian and Yemeni descent on her mother’s side and English descent on her father’s. Her upbringing was a blend of cultural influences, attending both a Muslim school to learn Arabic and a church. These diverse experiences shaped her identity and later, her artistry. Jade’s grandfather, Mohammed Ahmed Saleh Badwi, emigrated from Yemen to South Shields in 1943, and his story of resilience and cultural integration deeply impacted her.
Jade’s journey to stardom was not without its challenges. She first auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 and again in 2010, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she found success. Her initial attempts were marked by elimination at the bootcamp stage, but her persistence paid off when she returned for the show’s eighth series. Thirlwall’s audition with “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles advanced her to the bootcamp stage, where she was eventually placed in a group named “Orion.” Later, she was reassembled into a supergroup that eventually became known as Little Mix. The group was mentored by Tulisa Contostavlos and quickly gained a massive following, culminating in their historic win.
As part of Little Mix, Thirlwall shared songwriting credits for more than 50 songs across their six studio albums. Notable hits include “Wings” (2012) and “Shout Out to My Ex” (2016), both of which reached number one on the UK charts. Little Mix played a pivotal role in the girl band renaissance in the UK, becoming one of the best-selling girl groups and one of Britain’s biggest selling acts. Their influence extended beyond music, as they became icons of empowerment and resilience.
In 2022, Jade embarked on a solo career, signing a recording contract with RCA Records and releasing her debut single “Angel of My Dreams” in 2024. Alongside her solo work, she has written songs for other artists through her publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music. Her artistry is characterized by a blend of pop, R&B, and dance-pop, with influences from tropical house, Latin pop, and electronic music. She grew up listening to Motown and Arabic music, and cites Diana Ross as a significant influence.
Beyond music, Thirlwall is known for her political and social activism. She is a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and an ambassador for the Stonewall charity. Her dedication to activism earned her the Gay Times Honour for Allyship in 2021. Thirlwall’s involvement in charity work, her efforts to connect with her Arab-Egyptian-Yemeni heritage, and her openness about personal struggles have made her a role model for many.
Jade Thirlwall’s journey from a small town in England to international stardom is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and commitment to using her platform for positive change. Her transition from Little Mix to a solo artist marks a new chapter in a career that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
