Jade Thirlwall, the 32-year-old songstress formerly of the British girl group Little Mix, has ignited a firestorm of fan excitement with the release of her latest solo single, "It Girl." The track, accompanied by a visually captivating music video, contains a cleverly veiled jab at music mogul Simon Cowell, a reference that has sent fans into a frenzy of speculation and appreciation. The subtle dig harkens back to Thirlwall’s pre-Little Mix days, specifically her two unsuccessful attempts to advance on Cowell’s famed talent competition, The X Factor. This history provides a rich backdrop for understanding the layered meaning embedded within "It Girl."
Thirlwall’s journey to stardom was marked by initial setbacks on The X Factor. She auditioned twice, in 2008 and 2010, failing to progress beyond the initial stages. Ironically, her breakthrough came in 2011, a season in which Cowell was absent from the judging panel. This absence proved fortuitous for Thirlwall, as she was ultimately placed into the newly formed girl group, Little Mix, along with Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson. The group went on to win the competition, catapulting them to international fame. The narrative of rejection followed by triumph resonates powerfully within “It Girl," adding a layer of personal significance to the lyrical content.
The pointed reference to Cowell lies in the closing line of “It Girl”: "it’s a no from me." This phrase, synonymous with Cowell’s blunt critiques on The X Factor, has become a cultural touchstone. Its inclusion in Thirlwall’s song is no accident. Fans immediately recognized the allusion, interpreting it as a cheeky yet pointed response to Cowell’s previous rejections. Social media platforms buzzed with commentary, with fans praising Thirlwall’s witty reprisal. Some lauded the line as a "masterpiece," while others directly labelled it "Simon Cowell shade," reveling in the implied rebuke. The online discourse underscores the song’s resonance with fans and their shared understanding of Thirlwall’s past experiences.
The connection between Thirlwall and Cowell extends beyond her early auditions. Little Mix, after achieving considerable success under Cowell’s Syco Music label, parted ways with the company in 2018. This professional split added another layer of complexity to the perceived tension between Thirlwall and Cowell. The separation from Syco has been interpreted by some as a symbolic break from Cowell’s influence, allowing the group, and subsequently Thirlwall in her solo career, to forge their own artistic paths.
This isn’t the first time Thirlwall has seemingly addressed her relationship with Cowell through her music. Her debut solo single, "Angel of My Dreams," contained lyrics that were widely construed as a criticism of Cowell’s business practices. Lines such as "You only care about money, sellin’ my soul to a psycho, they say I’m so lucky. Better act like you’re lucky, honey" fueled speculation about the target of her lyrical barbs. While never explicitly confirmed, the timing of the song’s release, following Little Mix’s departure from Syco, lent credence to the interpretation that the lyrics were directed at Cowell.
Cowell’s representatives responded to the perceived criticism surrounding "Angel of My Dreams" with a carefully worded statement emphasizing the team effort behind Little Mix’s success and expressing continued well wishes for the members’ solo endeavors. This measured response, while acknowledging the speculation, refrained from directly addressing the lyrical content. The ambiguity surrounding the intended recipient of the criticism allowed for multiple interpretations, further fueling fan discussions and interest in Thirlwall’s solo work. The interplay of implied criticism and carefully crafted responses contributes to the narrative surrounding Thirlwall’s artistic journey and her evolving relationship with the music industry figure who once dismissed her potential. The inclusion of the "it’s a no from me" line in "It Girl" acts as a continuation of this narrative, a subtle yet potent reminder of her resilience and ultimate triumph in the face of early rejection.
