Jade Thirlwall’s Solo Journey: From Little Mix to Chart-Topping Success

13 December 2025 Music

The Rise of a Solo Star

Jade Thirlwall, the South Shields-born singer who first captured hearts as part of Little Mix, has firmly established herself as a formidable solo artist in 2025. Her debut album ‘That’s Showbiz Baby’ garnered the biggest opening week of the UK’s 2025 album charts, signalling a triumphant new chapter in her musical career. The 32-year-old artist’s journey from girl group member to independent performer represents one of the year’s most compelling success stories in British pop music.

Award Recognition and Critical Acclaim

Thirlwall won Best Pop Act at the 2025 Brit Awards, marking a significant milestone in her solo career. This achievement comes alongside other prestigious honours, including the ‘Musician of the Year’ award at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards, presented by fellow Geordie popstar Cheryl. The recognition extends beyond music, with Thirlwall winning the Celebrity Ally Award at the 2025 British LGBT Awards, acknowledging her continued advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

Sold-Out Solo Tour Success

Jade Thirlwall has completed her first UK solo headline tour, performing in intimate theatre venues rather than the arenas she became accustomed to with Little Mix. The sell-out 2025 tour stopped at Newcastle twice in October, with an extra final show added due to demand. The transition from large-scale arena performances to smaller, more personal venues presented unique challenges, yet Thirlwall delivered captivating performances that demonstrated her versatility as a performer.

Looking Ahead: International Expansion

Following the 13-date UK run, fans in North America and mainland Europe will see the show in February and March 2026. With festival appearances including Glastonbury already under her belt and new music collaborations in the pipeline, Jade Thirlwall’s solo career continues to flourish. Her authentic approach to both music and activism has resonated with audiences, proving that her appeal extends far beyond her girl group origins. For British pop music fans, Thirlwall’s success story offers inspiration and entertainment in equal measure, cementing her position as one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary artists.