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Jade Thirlwall refuses to remain silent on causes close to her heart, readily challenging peers who choose to stay out of the fray.
In a recent conversation with The Guardian, the former Little Mix sensation argued that pop music and the wider world are inextricably linked, highlighting her outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights and her advocacy for Palestinians amid the protracted Israel–Hamas conflict.
She expressed disappointment over Matty Healy’s decision to eschew political commentary, calling his stance “disheartening” and at odds with the responsibilities of high-profile artists.
Healy himself ignited debate during The 1975’s Glastonbury set when, after previously weaving social critique into songs like “Love It If We Made It,” he told fans, “We honestly don’t want our legacy to be one of politics … You can go out into the world and there’s loads of politics everywhere. We don’t need more politics. We need more love and friendship.”
Thirlwall shot back that Healy’s position is a privilege afforded by his identity. “It’s easy for someone so straight, white and privileged to say, ‘I don’t want politics’—good for you, hun!” she quipped.
Now embarking on her solo journey, Jade is poised to unveil That’s Showbiz Baby!, her debut album chronicling her roller-coaster rise on The X Factor in 2011 and beyond.
The lead single, “IT girl,” strips away the veneer of pop stardom to expose the industry’s constraints, with Jade injecting a dash of wit into candid reflections on her Little Mix era.
“I love art that stirs the pot,” she told Billboard. “I’ve always laughed at my own scars, and being independent now means I can share my truths without filter.”
That’s Showbiz Baby! arrives September 12.
