Pop Star Jade Reveals Secret Musical Influences

Pop singer Jade Thirlwall, known for her solo work and as an alum of Little Mix, shared insights into the songs that have profoundly influenced her life and career. Ahead of her performance at Lollapalooza, Thirlwall detailed her eclectic musical tastes, which span various genres and eras.

Thirlwall's childhood was shaped by Motown, with Gladys Knight's "Help Me Make It Through the Night" being a particularly moving track from her youth. She noted Knight's ability to convey deep emotion, a quality she strives to emulate in her own music. This appreciation for emotive artistry extends to contemporary U.K. artists like NAO, whose song "Another Lifetime" is a guaranteed tear-jerker for Thirlwall.

Nostalgic influences include the Backstreet Boys, with songs like "Shape of My Heart" evoking memories of early crushes and teenage years. Surprisingly, Thirlwall also cited The Streets' "Dry Your Eyes" as a significant track, resonating with her working-class northern upbringing and offering a raw, empathetic perspective on heartbreak.

Inspiration also comes from disco legends like Diana Ross. Thirlwall finds Ross's "The Boss" particularly inspiring, admiring its dynamic structure and empowering lyrics. Reflecting on her own career, she highlighted "It Girl" as an energetic opening song for her sets and "Angel in My Dreams" as a deeply special track that marked a turning point in her solo journey.