JADE Takes Center Stage: The Pop Princess's Debut Album is a Game-Changer
Imagine walking into a recording studio, surrounded by the echoes of pop legends like Diana Ross and Madonna. You're about to unleash your debut album, a sonic masterpiece that blends the best of classic and modern pop. Welcome to JADE's world, where the boundaries between experimentation and perfection are blissfully blurred.
For JADE Conor Cunningham, it's no surprise that her solo debut album "THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!" is an unapologetic celebration of all things pop. As she confesses on the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, "I live and breathe pop. I just am obsessed with it." This passion project has been years in the making, and the result is a dazzlingly ornate record that's as much a testament to JADE's growth as an artist as it is a love letter to her favorite divas.
Born Jade Thirlwall, JADE first made waves on the pop landscape as a member of Little Mix, the British girl group formed in 2011 on The X Factor. With 19 top 10-charted hits under their belt, including a whopping 13 No. 1 singles on the U.K. Official Singles Chart, the act was unstoppable. But after a decade of non-stop touring and recording with Little Mix, JADE felt an itch to explore new sounds and push her creative boundaries.
"I wanted to take risks and try new things," she reveals in our conversation. "I didn't want to just make another pop album; I wanted to create something that would stand out." And stand out it does – from the opening notes of lead single "Angel of My Dreams" (which reached No. 7 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart), JADE's solo debut is a masterclass in experimentation and innovation.
Industry insiders are taking notice, too. Billboard praises the album as "a distinct, dazzlingly ornate record that takes sonic cues from divas like Diana Ross, Madonna, and Janet Jackson." Even more impressive? The album's impact on fans – who can't get enough of JADE's pop-infused R&B soundscapes and unapologetic lyrics.
But what sets JADE apart from her peers is her unwavering dedication to the art form. "I've always been a student of pop," she says, citing Madonna as one of her biggest inspirations. "She's just so hugely inspiring – the way she's pushed boundaries and taken risks throughout her career is something I aspire to." It's clear that JADE has learned from the best: her solo debut is both a nod to the legends who came before her and a bold statement of intent for her own place in pop history.
As we talk, it becomes clear that JADE's passion for pop isn't just about creating music – it's about connecting with fans on a deeper level. "I want my album to be a reflection of me as an artist," she says, "and I hope that people can relate to the emotions and experiences I'm sharing." With "THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!" JADE has undoubtedly created something special – an album that's both a love letter to pop and a testament to her own growth as an artist.
With two top 40 hits under her belt, including FUFN (F You For Now), and a BRIT Award win to boot, it's clear that JADE is here to stay. And with "THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!" leading the charge, we can't wait to see what this pop princess has in store for us next.
In conclusion, JADE Conor Cunningham's debut album is more than just a collection of songs – it's a declaration of independence, a celebration of pop's enduring power, and a testament to the artist's own growth and evolution. As she takes center stage, we're reminded that sometimes, the best way to make a statement is to simply be yourself – unapologetically, authentically, and with a healthy dose of pop flair.
*Based on reporting by Billboard.*
