Jade Thirlwall Is the Perfect Pop Student

And she might just be the perfect pop star too.

When a successful group splits or goes on a break, the anticipation for the solo endeavours of its members is always high. This was certainly the case for the Little Mix girls. While fans had a vague idea of what each of the three might do—R&B for Leigh-Anne, big belty pop for Perrie, and dance-pop for Jade—the releases we’ve had so far make one thing clear: Jade Thirlwall is going to be so much more than anyone expected.

With her fourth single, IT Girl, now out in the world, it’s becoming clear that Jade isn’t just a pop star in the making—she’s a pop scholar, and one who understands the genre with the kind of precision and reverence that few achieve.

Each song she’s released so far is proof that Jade has done her homework, studying the greats of pop music like a devoted student at the feet of masters. You don’t have to listen too hard to hear the reference points: Fantasy shimmers with the influence of disco icon Diana Ross, its lush production and soaring vocals calling back to an era of glamour and power. Angel of My Dreams goes even further, sampling Eurovision legend Sandie Shaw’s Puppet on a String in a way that’s both playful and respectful. Now, with IT Girl, the nod to Kylie Minogue’s sparkling pop magic is unmistakable, from the breathy vocals to the crisp, synth-driven beats, and in both AoMD and IG, the influence of 90s Mariah Carey shines through.

And yet, for all the tributes and touchstones, Jade’s music never feels derivative. She’s not simply imitating her idols; she’s honouring them while shaping her own distinct sound. Her respect for pop music - the artistry, the history, and the sheer joy of it - emanates from every creative choice she makes. She’s the kind of artist who understands that pop isn’t “just” pop. It’s a craft, and she’s pouring her heart into it.

A Love Letter to Pop

What makes Jade’s work so exciting is how well she balances homage with originality. Her sound is distinctly hers - bright, bold, and unapologetically targeting a queer audience. Gay Club Hyperpop if you will. It’s hyperpop, yes, but it’s also versatile, effortlessly straddling the line between edgy club bangers and glossy radio hits. Jade knows exactly who she’s making music for, but she’s never boxing herself in.

Her love for pop music is palpable, and it extends far beyond the songs themselves. Great pop stars have always been more than just singers; they’re storytellers, visual artists, and cultural commentators. Jade understands this better than most.

Her music videos aren’t just flashy visuals—they’re intricate, character-driven pieces that hint at something bigger. Jade has teased that the characters in her videos will form a connected narrative across her album, creating a vivid universe for fans to immerse themselves in. It’s a bold, ambitious move, but one that feels perfectly natural for someone who knows her audience so well.

Even her fashion choices tell a story. With each single, she unveils a new aesthetic, from sharp tailoring to daring, avant-garde looks. Every outfit, every piece of styling feels intentional, like another brushstroke in the larger painting she’s creating.

Studied and Self-Aware

What sets Jade apart isn’t just her attention to detail or her knack for storytelling. It’s the way she combines this with a sharp, self-aware edge. Her music often feels like a wry commentary on the very industry she’s a part of - its contradictions, its hypocrisies, and its relentless hunger for profit.

And yet, she never loses the joy of it. Jade’s work is as fun as it is thoughtful. She’s unafraid to poke fun at the industry, but she’s also unashamed to embrace it. That balance - between critique and celebration, between reverence and reinvention - is what makes her such a compelling artist.

From Student to Star

Jade’s time in Little Mix proved she could write a great pop song, but her solo career is showing us something deeper. She’s not just making music; she’s creating an experience. She’s studied the legends of pop - Diana, Kylie, Madonna, Bowie - and she’s applying those lessons to build something uniquely hers.

It’s rare to see a pop artist rise with such clear intent. Jade isn’t stumbling into stardom or figuring it out as she goes. She knows exactly what she’s doing, and she’s having the time of her life doing it.

With each new single, we’re seeing a different side of Jade Thirlwall: the student, the storyteller, the cultural critic, and the star. She’s just getting started, and it already feels like she’s on the brink of something extraordinary.

Jade Thirlwall isn’t just studying the pop greats; she’s poised to join them.