It seems unthinkable that it’s been six years since Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson were placed in a band that would go on to be the first group to win ‘The X Factor’; ultimately becoming one of the world’s most influential and successful girl groups who continue to dominate the music industry, six years after their formation.
‘Let’s take it back to where we first began
They turned us strangers into closest friends’
#SixYearsOfLittleMix! ?? All because of YOU! ? We love you guys to the moon and back! xx the girls xx pic.twitter.com/ieGP1pAn8m
— Little Mix (@LittleMix) August 19, 2017
The journey of Little Mix began when four individual solo singers appeared on ‘The X Factor’. At the Bootcamp stage of the show, they were placed together by Judge Kelly Rowland. The band went on to progress through the various weeks on the Live Shows, and after two stand-out performances – Katy Perry’s ‘ET’ and En Vogue’s ‘Don’t Let Go,’ Little Mix were viewed as real contenders on the show. As the Final of the show got closer, Little Mix’s fanbase continued to grow, and they were beginning to inspire more and more young and teenage girls. They went on to become the first (and only group thus far) to win ‘The X Factor’, mentored by Tulisa Contostavlos.
Their first original Number 1 single ‘Wings’ was released in 2012, closely followed by the release of debut album ‘DNA’. The release of their album allowed them to carry out their own headline UK and Ireland tour, providing them with their first opportunity to witness the support they had built up.
In 2013, it was time for the band to release their second album ‘Salute’ – which featured many iconic tracks such as ‘Move’ and ‘Little Me’. When writing the album, the band worked with top producers to ensure that it was the best it could be. With their success continuing to build – both in the UK and now further afield, the band had the opportunity to embark on their first headline arena tour around the UK and Ireland in mid-2014.
Around this time, Little Mix were given the opportunity to support Demi Lovato on the American leg of her ‘Neon Lights Tour’. This gave them the chance to build on their support in the US, a venture which proved worthwhile, as the band have gained a legion of fans there.
Following their time in the US, Little Mix suddenly became very quiet. There was no new music on the horizon and rumours were emerging that the band were set to announce their split. The band explained the delay in the third studio album, as they made the decision to scrap a whole album and start again.
However, the wait certainly proved well worth it. In May 2015, the band released the eagerly anticipated leading single from their third studio album was released. ‘Black Magic’ became the girls’ fourth Number 1 and the success of the ‘Get Weird’ album allowed the band to embark on another headline arena tour, this time not only within the UK and Ireland but worldwide.
No doubt the past few years have marked a turning point in particular in Little Mix’s career. Their legion of dedicated fans – Mixers – have watched the girls grow up right in front of their eyes, developing their style and musical sound. The band and fans have celebrated success and have unfortunately dealt with heartbreak together. Over the years, Little Mix have strived to promote a positive message through their music, lyrics, tweets, and interviews, encouraging their fans to be themselves, never to change for anyone and ultimately, to love themselves! They have undoubtedly helped many fans through difficult periods of their life and continue to be an inspiration to many across the world.
The past year has quite possibly been one of the biggest years of Little Mix’s career to date. The band have achieved a Number 1 album and quite possibly one of their biggest achievements – winning a BRIT Award for Best British Single for the iconic break-up anthem, ‘Shout Out To My Ex’. The band have also supported Ariana Grande on the American segment of her ‘Dangerous Woman Tour’. Currently, the band are embarking on their Summer Tour and are set to embark on their ‘Glory Days Tour’ during the last few months of the year.
From your legion of fans across the world, we thank you Little Mix. Thank you for encouraging us to be crazy, be weird, being a true example of friendship and empowering fans – you are the best role models we could all ask for. From your incredible music videos to showing us that you can truly achieve anything if you believe in it enough, we can’t wait to see what you have planned for the future. We also can’t wait for Album Number 5!
For now, let’s recap on their most recent music video:
The band’s most recent single ‘Reggaeton’ – a collaboration with Spanish group CNCO – can be bought by clicking here.
Without a doubt, it has been an incredible six years of Little Mix. There’s been phenomenal music videos, collaborations with artists such as Sean Paul and Machine Gun Kelly, tours, performances, appearances, Live Streams and much, much more. We can’t wait to see what the band have lined up in the next year!
‘Yeah I know we’ve come so far
But it’s just the beginning’