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‘The X Factor’ Launched Little Mix, But Jade Remembers the Show Being ‘Pretty F–ked Up’

Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall cites unhealthy mental health conditions as one reason why 'The X Factor,' which launched the girl group, needed to end.

Following the death of One Direction’s Liam Payne in October 2024, Rebecca Ferguson — who competed on the same season as the band — said she believed “ he would be alive today ” if he hadn’t auditioned for the show. It’s all very Roman empire.” Notably, other singing competition shows like The Voice only air generally strong performances, even when the contestant doesn’t make it through to the next round of auditions. Thirlwall considers her X Factor experience as “the best training ever for me to enter the music industry,” but also notes the rarity of coming out on the other side of it without some type of lingering damage.

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