In a touching moment on ITV’s The Assembly, Jade Thirlwall, formerly of Little Mix, opened up about her early friendship with the late Liam Payne. Thirlwall poignantly referred to Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2024, as her “first friend in the industry.”
Thirlwall, who found fame after winning The X Factor with Little Mix in 2011, a year after Payne’s One Direction finished third, shared heartfelt memories of the “Teardrops” singer. She recounted how supportive Payne was towards her when she was navigating the early days of her career.
Speaking candidly, Thirlwall described Payne as “so lovely” and emphasized the undeniable star quality he possessed from his initial appearances on The X Factor. She recalled that everyone involved in the show recognized his potential, stating that he “literally had the X factor” and was “destined to be a musician and a singer.”
Both Thirlwall and Payne auditioned for The X Factor at a young age, and she fondly remembered him as the first person who extended a hand of friendship in the daunting world of the music industry. This revelation offers a sweet glimpse into the early connections formed within the intense environment of the show, highlighting a supportive bond between two young talents who would both go on to achieve significant success.