Former Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall has declared her intention to challenge and surprise her audience with her upcoming musical project. The 33-year-old solo artist, who scored a number three hit with her debut album That's Showbiz Baby, is taking a deliberately experimental path for her next record.
Embracing the 'Weird' and Disorientating Listeners
In a candid new interview, the South Shields-born star admitted she relishes the idea of confounding expectations. Jade stated she does not consider herself a "first listen artist" and actively enjoys creating music that requires deeper engagement from her fans.
"I like weirding people out," Thirlwall explained. "I like people listening to my music and feeling a bit disorientated or like it's a bit too much, and then they have to listen again and dissect it or really listen to the lyrics or pick it apart. I quite enjoy that." This artistic direction marks a confident shift as she continues to establish herself outside the globally successful girl group.
Arena Ambitions and Documentary Plans
Despite her love for intimate theatre performances, Thirlwall's sights are firmly set on large-scale productions. She revealed her ambition is to mount arena shows following the release of her next album, which she hopes to put out within the next year.
"In my brain it was an arena show," she said, discussing her previous tour. "I like all the bells and whistles. I love pop, I love putting on a show, so I'd love to keep getting bigger with that."
Beyond music, the star is branching into reality television. She plans to produce a documentary chronicling her career transition from Little Mix to solo fame. She has extensive footage for the project, filmed alongside her long-term boyfriend, Jordan Stephens of the hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks.
Speaking on Stephens's podcast Miss Me?, Jade described last year as "very intense," feeling at times that events were moving faster than she could keep up with, which has provided rich material for the proposed film.
A Prestigious Honour from Home
In December, Thirlwall received one of her proudest accolades: the Freedom of the Borough of South Tyneside. She described it as the "highest honour my hometown can bestow." The ceremony, which took place on December 17, saw her honoured alongside local legend Richard Ord MBE, owner of Colman's Fish and Chips.
Sharing photos on Instagram, the singer wrote a heartfelt note, expressing her pride in being a "Sand Dancer" (a colloquial term for someone from South Shields). While overjoyed to celebrate with family and friends, she confessed her one wish was that her late grandparents and great aunt could have been present for the occasion.
Jade concluded her post with a characteristically humorous touch, joking about the ancient rights associated with the honour: "If you see me walking my cattle around the town, mind ya business."
