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Jade Thirlwall reveals toll X Factor stardom took on her as she hits out at Simon Cowell and ITV show

Jade Thirlwall reveals toll X Factor stardom took on her as she hits out at Simon Cowell and ITV show

The Irish Sun28-04-2025

LITTLE MIX may have been one of X Factor's most successful acts, but stardom came at a cost for Jade Thirlwall.
The girlband, Jade, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson, racked up 19 top ten singles including FIVE No1s, since their talent show triumph.
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Jade Thirlwall feels like she 'sold her soul' to make her dream of being a singer come true
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Little Mix, in 2011, from left: Perrie Edwards, Jade, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock
Credit: Rex
But now she feels like she 'sold her soul' to make her dream of being a singer come true.
Jade is one of four celebrities on ITV's new entertainment series The Assembly, where she was questioned by interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent or learning disabled — with no topics off limits.
But Jade, who has embarked on a solo career, was left stumped when one man asked her if she regretted selling her soul by finding fame on the talent show back in 2011.
Struggling to answer diplomatically, before comparing herself to Marvel superhero Thanos, she confessed: 'You've trumped me . . . Maybe a little bit in the beginning.
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'I was so young and I just signed on the dotted line.
'But as the years have gone by I've learned more and more about the industry.
'I've been collecting — a bit like Thanos with the stones — I've been collecting parts of my soul back as I've gained more creative freedom.'
Asked if she thought it was the 'end of Simon Cowell', she continued: 'I think it's the end of that kind of TV show or music label.
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'I think it's the end of that era.
'But I don't know if Simon Cowell specifically has ended.'
Watch as Jade Thirlwall takes a swipe at Simon Cowell in debut solo single
Jade's debut solo track Angel Of My Dreams was a pointed dig at Simon and the music industry.
In the episode, which airs on ITV1 at 10pm this Sunday, another inquisitive fan referenced her part-Egyptian heritage before asking: 'Were the pyramids created by aliens?'
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Suggesting she does believe there's something fishy about them, the It Girl singer said: 'I don't know if I'm qualified.
'I mean, something spectacular made them because if you watch those documentaries, we can't actually explain it right.
'And because they're dotted all over the world, not just Egypt, you've got them in Mexico.
'This pyramid shape, what does it mean?'
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Alien Hunting with Jade Thirlwall, now that's a show ITV should commission.
Gaga has Mex appeal
AFTER her triumphant return to the stage with two headline performances at Coachella, there is no stopping Lady Gaga.
She was back in front of crowds in Mexico City at the weekend and wore a string of outrageous outfits, including this blue outfit with a horned headpiece while singing and dancing her way through a career-spanning 21-song set.
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Lady Gaga was back in front of crowds in Mexico City at the weekend
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Gaga grapples with a creature in red
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Gaga onstage with a skeleton
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Lady Gaga with the flag of Mexico
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This Saturday, she will play a massive show on
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We'll have to wait until September for Gaga to arrive in the UK for her shows in London and Manchester.
But the photos and videos from her recent gigs have certainly been enough to make me go gaga for Gaga!
MARIAH'S SUMMER TIME BALL
CAPITAL has pulled it out of the bag for its Summertime Ball with Barclaycard, revealing that global superstar Mariah Carey will headline the bash.
The Touch My Body singer is at the top of the line-up for the massive party on June 15 at London's Wembley Stadium.
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Mariah Carey will headline this year's Capital Summertime Ball
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It will be her first UK performance in six years and she'll be in good company.
Benson Boone, KSI, Lola Young, Zara Larsson, Dasha, Renee Rap as well as Busted vs McFly will also be on the line-up.
And as I first revealed on Saturday, Jessie J will be on the bill, with more acts set to be announced today.
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Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9am through the Global Player app – and I'm sure it'll be another sell-out.
The ex Breakfast Show host's slot will be from 1-3pm, after
Zoe said of her comeback: 'I'm chomping at the bit to be back at Radio 2 HQ with my bag of top tunes for some Saturday brunching with our lovely listeners who I have missed so much, as the protein filling in a Rom & Ry sandwich.'
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SYDNIE'S VE VERA TRIBUTE
BRITAIN'S Got Talent winner
The song will be out on Friday and Syd hopes it will help the nation mark the
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Sydnie Christmas is celebrating VE Day by releasing a special version of Vera Lynn's emotional classic We'll Meet Again
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It's even more poignant for Sydnie as two of her great-grandfathers served in the war, while her great-uncles fought and died in France.
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Pubs are also set to be open longer to help Brits mark the anniversary and I'll be raising a pint or two.
Lizzo's purrfect birthday
The Still Bad singer threw a fancy dinner party in Los Angeles for her closest friends and family as she turned 37.
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Lizzo looked like she had a wild birthday thanks to her leopard print catsuit
Credit: Instagram
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She is returning with a brand new album, Love In Real Life, this summer – three years after one of my favourite ever records, Special.
Lizzo said: 'I feel like my albums don't outshine my hits yet, and I really wanna create a body of work that is as good as the hit song.
'And I feel like a lot of people, they get hung up on Juice or Truth Hurts or Good As Hell.
'I want people to really get into the body [of work].
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'I put so much of my heart and soul and time and musicality and, like, musical knowledge and instrumentation into these albums.
'The goal for this album is to be as loved as the biggest hit.'
ROM TOM PODCAST
THEY'VE been close mates for years after bonding over a shared love of football and music.
And now
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Roman Kemp is teaming up for a new project with Tom Grennan
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A source said: 'They both have podcast experience and decided to come up with their own new show'
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A source close to the pair said: 'Roman and Tom are really great friends and although they've worked on a few things together before, they've never properly teamed up.
'They both have podcast experience and decided to come up with their own new show.
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'Roman and Tom have a riot when they're together and they both bring out each other's fun sides.
'They are hoping to launch it later this summer before things kick off work wise for Tom with his arena tour, which is his biggest to date.'
TV's One Show presenter Roman has spent the past few weeks hanging out with his sister, country singer Harley Moon, as they took part in
The pair secretly filmed for the celebrity spin off of the BBC series in a mystery location where they went head-to-head with other stars to reach the final check point.
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Tom is gearing up for his mammoth tour, which kicks off on September 3 in Bournemouth.
Before that the Little Bit Of Love singer has got a busy summer ahead with a huge performance at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool.
Tickets are still available for the Friday May 23 show, with Tom performing alongside Biffy Clyro, The Wombats and Natasha Bedingfield.
FORGET C-3PO and meet KP143 – Katy Perry's droid alter ego.
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She shared photos on Instagram of her metallic stage costume, which she has been wearing on her Lifetimes Tour which kicked off in South America last week.
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Katy Perry shared this photo on Instagram of her metallic stage costume
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It doesn't look like the most comfortable outfit though, especially not for energetic dance moves.
So no wonder she has a load of costume changes at her shows.
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I'd want to get out of this sharpish, too.
WEST End regular Ben Forster is set to release his first album.
And the vocal powerhouse is staying close to his roots by releasing Musical's Greatest Hits on October 10.
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West End regular Ben Forster is set to release his first album
Credit: Supplied
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Ben has appeared in some huge productions on the West End stage, including turns in Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom Of The Opera and Elf The Musical.
Ben said: 'I've always dreamed of creating a full orchestral album, and now it's actually happening.
'It's one of the highlights of my career.
'I'm beyond thrilled to be bringing this body of work to life.'
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