A rediscovered photograph from 2008 featuring Cheryl and Jade Thirlwall has sent their fanbase into a frenzy, perfectly timed after the two pop stars shared a poignant reunion seventeen years later.
A Full-Circle Moment at the Harper's Bazaar Awards
The heartwarming reunion took place at the prestigious Harper's Bazaar Women Of The Year ceremony. Cheryl, 42, made a rare public appearance to present her fellow Geordie star, Jade Thirlwall, 32, with the Musician award. This event marked a significant full-circle moment for the pair, who first crossed paths in 2008 when a 15-year-old Jade auditioned for The X Factor, where Cheryl was a judge.
Following the glamorous event, a fan unearthed the original picture from the year they met, creating a wave of nostalgia and disbelief online. The contrast between the then-and-now images left supporters utterly astonished.
Then and Now: A Striking Transformation
In the 2008 snapshot, a fresh-faced Jade Thirlwall, then just 15, sports a short bob haircut and a bejewelled silver vest. Cheryl, aged 25 at the time, looks chic in a navy tailored dress, wrapping a protective arm around the young hopeful. The image is a perfect capsule of a moment that would foreshadow both of their successful careers in music.
Fans were quick to flood social media with their emotional reactions. Comments ranged from 'Nobody understands how much this means to me fr' to 'The angels of the north ❤️' and 'Best geordies reunite ❤️'. Many expressed a desire for a musical collaboration, with one fan writing, 'My two worlds colliding we need a collab.'
New Chapters and Selective Appearances
The Harper's Bazaar event highlighted the distinct paths both artists are now on. For Cheryl, the appearance is part of a carefully managed return to the public eye. This follows the tragic death of her former partner, Liam Payne, a situation which left her son Bear, eight, without a father.
Since paying tribute to Liam on Instagram, Cheryl has been selective with her public engagements. She has stepped away from the regular television roles she was once known for, such as on The X Factor and The Greatest Dancer. Instead, her recent outings have included supporting her Girls Aloud bandmate Nicola Roberts at her West End debut in Hadestown and a brief video message on Strictly Come Dancing.
Professionally, Cheryl officially returned to work in August, being announced as the face of a new Nivea skincare campaign. The campaign video cleverly nods to her past hits, including a newspaper with lyrics from her 2009 single 'Fight For This Love'.
Meanwhile, Jade Thirlwall continues to carve her own successful path after Little Mix. At the awards, she commanded attention in a figure-hugging bright red gown, receiving recognition for her musicianship as she solidifies her status as a formidable solo artist.
