Music
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The Video Diaries: JADE
Key moments in the career of the pop star and Little Mix member, caught on camera
Trading in global girl group success to be tapped as one of the most exciting new pop acts in the UK isn’t a bad deal. Fresh off a Best Pop Act win at the BRIT Awards and gearing up to release her debut solo album this September, JADE is fast climbing the ranks of British pop royalty. As part of Little Mix, her discography helped to define the radio pop of the 2010s – now she’s shaking up the 2020s with a string of experimental, explorative singles.
First appearing on our screens at just 15 with her first (ultimately unsuccessful) X-Factor audition, JADE has left a wealth of music videos, live performances and career highlights to look back on as her star has risen. We’re taking a look back through the archives at some key moments caught on camera.
2011 – Audition for The X-Factor
Having previously auditioned twice for the show, being cut at bootcamp both times, Jade Thirlwall made her third attempt in 2011 at 18 years old. Singing ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’ by the Beatles, she fought through nerves to show off the flexible vocals and light falsetto she would eventually become known for. This clip, previously unaired, shows the judges praising her performance whilst warning her that she needs to work on her confidence and stage presence.
This audition is also where the idea of Thirlwall being placed in a girl group is first suggested by judge Kelly Rowland, with Louis Walsh backing her up. Amusingly, Thirlwall seems unimpressed by the suggestion.
2011 – The X-Factor winner’s performance
After being cut again at bootcamp, Thirlwall was given a second chance along with contestants Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson – provided they were able to work together. The four went on to become the first girl group to win the show, and are seen here performing their winner’s single, a cover of ‘Cannonball’ by Damian Rice. An emotional Thirlwall kicks things off, becoming overwhelmed in the bridge. When the other contestants join the girls onstage, they abandon the song altogether and break out into excited screams instead.
2012 – ‘Wings’
Little Mix’s official debut single is still a solid pop song, but the music video is charmingly of its time, from the statement jewellery, high-waisted denim shorts and collared shirts, to the wall of bow ties that Thirwall performs in front of. There’s even a gigantic Union Jack as a backdrop. It’s easy to see the potential here, though, both vocally and in their chemistry as a group. All four girls also have writing credits on the track, making ‘Wings’ Thirlwall’s debut as a songwriter as well.
2016 – ‘Shout Out To My Ex’
The lead single on Little Mix’s fourth studio album, Glory Days, is their best-selling single of all time. Released in 2016, the song is a classic middle finger to a past relationship, with a focus on self-love and looking forward. Thirlwall also has songwriting credits on this one, and shines in the accompanying music video, which sees the group road tripping through the desert. The growth in her confidence as a performer over the five years since her audition is evident.
‘Shout Out To My Ex’ was a huge single for Little Mix in a multitude of ways. The song was their first track to be certified double and triple platinum in the UK and the only UK no.1 that year led by a female act. Most impressively, it still holds the record for the most streamed girl group single.
2022 – The Last Show (For Now…)
After announcing an impending hiatus, Little Mix made the decision to live stream their final date on the Confetti tour, titling the broadcast The Last Show (For Now…) The show took place on 26 April 2022 at the O2 Arena in London. A 9-minute clip released to YouTube shows the group preparing backstage for their final show and performing to an emotional crowd. “I think I’m in shock,” says Thirlwall, afterwards. “What do I do with my life?” Safe to say she figured it out.
2024 – ‘Angel Of My Dreams’
Thirlwall rebranded to JADE and released her first single, ‘Angel Of My Dreams’, in July 2024. The song discusses her complex relationship with the industry and her former label. The accompanying video sees her playing both an overpampered pop star and the street musician who steals her focus, both vying for the attention of a bloated, comically large industry tycoon. The video also features childhood performance footage of Thirlwall, including her X-Factor auditions.
JADE received a lot of praise from critics for her first solo outing, specifically the experimental nature of it. In a statement, JADE explained that she “didn’t want to do a safe first single.”
2024 – Live Lounge performance
In October, JADE visited BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge. Showcasing her falsetto vocals and ability to switch up her sound, she performed an alternative arrangement of her single ‘Fantasy’ along with a cover of Chase & Status and Stormzy’s ‘Backbone’.
2025 – ‘It Girl’
JADE demonstrated her versatility again with ‘It Girl’, an electropop single that describes her liberation from the constraints of the industry and criticises the way she was exploited as a young female performer. The visualiser for the track sees her take on an unhinged, destructive celebrity character.
2025 – BRITs performance
In March 2025, JADE performed ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ mashed up with a snippet of ‘It Girl’ at the 2025 BRIT Awards. Although less than five minutes long, the high concept performance was much-discussed online, with JADE structuring the performance in five ‘acts’ that came together to tell a complete story. Expanding on some of the concepts in the music video, the performance packed in a dizzying amount of choreography, stunts, set pieces and costume changes, demonstrating that JADE more than deserved her Best Pop Act win.
2025 – FUFN (F*ck You For Now)
Also in March, JADE released her single ‘FUFN’, which depicts a serious but not implosive fight in a long-term relationship. The visuals in the music video once again draw on ideas surrounding fame, public image and putting on a front.
JADE’s debut solo album, That’s Showbiz Baby, will release on 12 September 2025. The following month, she’s set to tour the UK, including two dates at London’s Roundhouse. You can also catch JADE at All Points East in August.
