Jade Thirlwall’s Solo Debut Shines with Eclectic Pop at Brighton Centre

Jade Thirlwall, formerly of Little Mix, delivered a captivating performance at the Brighton Centre, marking her first solo tour with tracks from her debut album, *That’s Showbiz, Baby!*. Unlike typical solo ventures from TV talent show alumni, Thirlwall’s music stands out for its bold, idiosyncratic style. Her breakout single, *Angel Of My Dreams*, blends dramatic pop balladry with jarring synths and samples, setting the tone for a setlist that oscillates between catchy disco pop, electroclash revival, and experimental funk. Tracks like *Headache* and *Unconditional* showcase her ability to merge nostalgic influences with innovative sounds, while her cover of Madonna’s *Frozen* evolves into a 90s dance medley. Thirlwall’s unpolished charm and connection with her audience, particularly her vocal LGBTQ+ fanbase, add warmth to the synth-heavy show. Despite references to past band tensions, her word-perfect crowd suggests a promising solo trajectory. The performance, infused with humor and bold merchandise like a fan quoting her *Gossip* lyric, underscores her refusal to conform to pop norms. Thirlwall’s tour continues across the UK until October 23, with her next stop at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse.