Jade Thirlwall Reveals Why Little Mix’s X-Factor Experience Was ‘Pretty F—ed Up,’ How It Exacerbated Mental Illness

Thirlwall auditioned for the singing competition show twice — before making it to Little Mix on the third try

Jade Thirlwall is opening up about her grueling experience on X-Factor.

In an interview with The Independent published on Saturday, Jan. 4, the Little Mix alum detailed how the singing competition show was detrimental to her mental health — and she wasn’t alone in her experience.

“I don’t know anyone that’s come off that show and not had some sort of mental health issue on the back of it,” Thirlwall, 32, who launched her solo career in 2024, told the outlet.

She added, “But also, even now, personally I’m conflicted criticizing [it], because it changed my life.”

Thirlwall was 18 when she auditioned for the show as a soloist — and later found herself in a band with Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson. Though the group found success outside of the show, Thirlwall thinks the experience was “pretty f—ed up.”