Jade Thirlwall: From Little Mix Stardom to Solo Success
Jade Thirlwall first captured the public's attention in 2011 as a member of the groundbreaking girl group Little Mix, which made history by becoming the first group ever to win The X Factor UK. Since then, she has successfully transitioned into a thriving solo career, establishing herself as a formidable artist in her own right. This comprehensive profile delves into her background, musical journey, personal life, and financial achievements.
Early Life and Heritage
Born on December 26, 1992, in South Shields, a coastal town in Tyne and Wear in northeast England, Jade Thirlwall is currently 33 years old. Her heritage is notably diverse, with her mother, Norma Badwi, contributing Yemeni and Egyptian ancestry, while her father, James Thirlwall, has English roots. Her parents separated during her childhood, and she grew up with her older brother, Karl Thirlwall.
Jade's upbringing was culturally rich; she attended a Muslim school to learn Arabic and also went to church, reflecting her family's varied background. Her grandfather, Mohammed Ahmed Saleh Badwi, was a devoted Muslim who immigrated to South Shields from Yemen and worked as a fireman and labourer, with her great-grandfather hailing from Egypt.
Rise to Fame with Little Mix
Jade's path to stardom began with local singing competitions in South Shields, where she honed her talents despite facing challenges such as battling anorexia during her teenage years. Her determination led her to audition for The X Factor three times, with the third attempt in 2011 proving successful.
Initially auditioning as a solo artist, Jade was placed in a group called Rhythmix alongside Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock. Due to copyright issues with a children's charity, the group was renamed Little Mix. Under the mentorship of Tulisa Contostavlos, they won The X Factor UK in December 2011, releasing hit songs like 'Butterfly', 'Shout Out To My Ex', and 'Black Magic' over a successful decade-long career.
Solo Career and Musical Achievements
After Little Mix decided to take a break in 2021 to pursue individual projects, Jade embarked on a solo career that has garnered significant acclaim. She has performed at prestigious events such as the BRITs and released her debut studio album, 'That's Showbiz Baby', in 2025.
As of March 2025, she has released three solo singles that have received critical praise: 'Angel of My Dreams', 'Fantasy', and 'It Girl'. Her musical success has contributed to an impressive net worth estimated at £17.5 million, showcasing her financial prowess in the industry.
Personal Life and Relationship
Away from the spotlight, Jade Thirlwall has been in a long-term relationship with Jordan Stephens, a member of the duo Rizzle Kicks. The couple was first spotted together in public in July 2020 and confirmed their relationship on social media by September of that year. Since then, they have frequently appeared on each other's social media accounts, with Jordan being a vocal supporter of Jade's solo career, even joining her on shows like Jools Holland's Hootenanny.
Jade remains close friends with her former Little Mix bandmates Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, maintaining strong bonds from their time together in the group.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Jade Thirlwall's journey from a member of one of Britain's most successful girl bands to a solo artist highlights her versatility and resilience in the music industry. With a rich cultural heritage, a supportive relationship, and a flourishing career, she continues to inspire fans worldwide. As she moves forward, her dedication to her craft and her ability to evolve artistically suggest that her influence will only grow in the coming years.
