We Salute you
Formed on The X Factor in 2011, and originally called Rhythmix, the four unassuming youngsters went on to win the series — the first group to do so — under the tutelage of Tulisa ( remember her?) and have become unquestionably the show’s worthiestever winners.
It’ll be handbags at dawn if anyone dares suggest otherwise.
They taught us how to fly, metaphorically speaking, with 2012 chart- topper Wings.
“Mama told me not to waste my life, she said spread your wings my little butterfly, don’t let what they say keep you up at night,” they sing. My mum used to tell me the exact same thing ( as well as to stop wearing and laddering her tights).
Revenge was served on song when Perrie appeared to diss former fiance Zayn Malik on smash hit Shout Out To My Ex — and the tabloids had a field day. “Hope she getting better sex, ain’t faking it like I did,” she cattily cooed. To be fair, Zayn did dump her by text and jumped ship with American supermodel Gigi Hadid .
Struggling to get over a break- up? Just wash that man out of your hair. That is the girls’ advice on their appropriately titled tune, Hair. I’m still struggling to find the right shampoo and conditioner, mind. Head & Shoulders simply isn’t doing the trick.
They delivered a bona fide LGBT+ anthem in Secret Love Song, about a cloak- and- dagger affair conducted in the shadows. We don’t think they mean the various nooks and crannies in London’s Heaven nightclub, but the band, vocal in their support of gay rights in interviews and on social media, confirmed the track was inspired by gay relationships.
Rising to the occasion, the quartet have never failed to bring the house down at the Brit Awards, the biggest night in the British music calendar, regularly outshining their counterparts from across the pond ( even Rihanna). We are still living for their show- stealing performance of Black Magic two years ago. It was – apologies in advance – simply spell- binding.
Indeed, Secret Love Song meant so much to one gay fan that he got down on bended knee and popped the question to his boyfriend just before the heart- felt ballad played during a Little Mix gig in London last year. They also dedicated a special rendition to the victims of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando.
The gals have helped LGBT+ youngsters come out of the closet. Earlier this summer, 22- year- old Conan Smith tweeted the band to thank them for giving him the strength to embrace his sexuality. Jade sweetly replied: “U should be so, so proud of yourself and I feel so humbled and honoured to have played a part in your personal journey. Congratulations on this new chapter of your life, where you can be completely yourself with the love and support of those around you.”
Homophobia won’t be tolerated. A bigoted Instagram follower was exquisitely shut down by Jade when they questioned her love of RuPaul, saying they didn’t support “these
kinds of things.” She hit back: “If you don’t ‘ support’ these kinds of ‘ things’ ( assuming you mean drag queens or the gay community), then I suggest you go and comment on somebody else’s Instagram. Someone just as homophobic, ignorant, as warped as yourself. SASHAY. AWAY.”
Life really is a drag for Jade, who tapped up Alaska Thunderfuck 3000, Willam and Courtney Act to appear in the promo for revved- up banger Power. She also marked her 25th birthday with a dragthemed party and fundraiser, the proceeds of which she donated to the charity, Stonewall. Shantay, you stay.
Little Mix are the biggest girl band on the planet and, over the years, Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Leigh- Anne Pinnock have used their platform as pop superstars to fl y the rainbow fl ag for their huge LGBT+ fan base. For that commitment to, and support of, the community, we are naming them Honorary Gays. Here are some their best — and gayest — moments
And on Jade’s night off from the band’s latest US tour where did she go? Drag Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s in LA, of course. And yes, she won.
Let’s talk about Jade some more. What can I say, I adore her. Taking her role- model status seriously, she recently visited Stonewall’s London HQ to learn about what it means to be an ally to the LGBT+ community. She then marched for them at Manchester Pride, later giving a talk for their youth project.
Girl meets hot girl at a party. Girl and hot girl get on swimmingly. Girl is left heartbroken when hot girl turns out to be a mermaid who needs to return to the sea. The music video for summer smash Only You is fi n- tastic, The Little Mermaid with a splash of Sapphic desire.
Friendship never ends
( oh wait, that’s the Spice Girls). Little Mix seem as a close as ever. Sometimes they even snog each other.
Their Glory Days are still ahead of them with the release of new single Woman Like Me, featuring Nicki Minaj. We likey a lot.