JADE becomes the last member of Little Mix to earn a solo Number 1

In 2011, Little Mix was formed by Kelly Rowland on The X Factor, becoming the first ever group to win the series. The four-piece went on to score ten Number 1s on this chart, including their best-seller “Shout Out to My Ex”. Jesy Nelson left the group prematurely in 2020, after which the band officially split in 2022. Since then, Jesy, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards have all debuted at Number 1 on this chart with their respective debut singles – after which all three songs quickly fell off. Changing the game, JADE instead debuted at #2 three weeks ago with “Angel of My Dreams”, initially failing to earn a solo Number 1. But, the single proved more sustainable than her bandmates’, finally moving up to Number 1 this week, earning JADE her first ever solo chart-topper. Little Mix is the first ever girl group of which every member has achieved a solo Number 1, an unmatched feat. JADE’s rise to new heights is supported by “Angel of My Dreams” its S.A.D. version, in which JADE shows off her vocal talent. Additionally, “Angel of My Dreams” already ranks as the Little Mix-solo song with the most weeks inside the Top 3.

2024’s big breakout star is up for debate. Charli XCX has resurged to the mainstream, Roxy Dekker is unstoppable, and Sabrina Carpenter finally broke it big. But, the big new star, has to be Chappel Roan. To write her off as a breakout TikTok act, would do this American talent a great injustice. Inspired by drag queens and taking inspiration from 1980s pop, Chappel Roan has vision. Her vocals are also very reminiscent of Marina. “Good Luck, Babe!” went all the way to Number 1, still sitting comfortably in the Top 10. Her other singles have now resurged as well. “Red Wine Supernova” soars to #14, while “Hot to Go” breaks the Top 10 at #9 this week. The latter is Roan’s take on a cheerleader anthem – it even features a YMCA-esque dance trend. It isn’t hard to imagine this being a hard-hitter at festivals. Roan earns her second Top 10-hit to date with “Hot to Go”, while her third is not far off.

In 2021, Addison Rae bid to become one of the new main pop girls with her debut “Obsessed”. A very simple dance-pop track, it was critically panned and forced Rae to go back to the drawing board. Since then, the TikTokker has studied the greats and carved a niche (gay) fanbase for herself. Her unreleased songs went viral and were later released as the EP AR, which Rae dedicated to her fans. On my chart, she scored a surprise hit as a feature on the remixed version of Charli XCX’s “Von Dutch”, who has acted like a mentor of some sorts. That influence is best heard on Rae’s musical comeback this week: “Diet Pepsi”. The sultry track combines Charli XCX’s tongue-and-cheek musical style with Lana Del Rey-esque visuals while referencing Britney’s iconic Diet Pepsi-moment. It debuts at #11, becoming Rae’s third Top 40-entry and her first solo entry.

Further down, Shawn Mendes makes his return with his first chart entry in nearly three years. His new “Why, Why, Why” debuts at #27 this week. It is a folk-pop song – hello Noah Kahan? – and leads his upcoming self-titled fifth album. American singer Shaboozey debuts with his international chart smash “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” at #32. "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" topped the Billboard's Hot Country Songs. As it succeeded Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em" at the top, it was the first time in history that two consecutive black artists held the Number 1-position. Rounding out the new entries is the Netherlands’ Number 1 “Terug In de Tijd” by Yves Berendse. He originally released the Dutch folk song in 2023, but after it went viral on TikTok, he re-released the single to chart-topping success.

As JADE moves to Number 1, I have decided to rank the best-scoring solo Little Mix-songs as of now. Coming in at first place is Perrie’s “Forget About Us”, released earlier this year. It spent two weeks at Number 1 and has scored over 50,000 points, easily earning gold status. Despite a big debut, it fell off after a relatively short chart run. Leigh-Anne her debut “Don’t Say Love” comes in at second place – a strong-sounding UK-garage hit, it debuted at Number 1 last year. Jesy’s controversial cross-over with Nicki Minaj “BOYZ” ranks third. Out of the follow-up singles so far, Leigh-Anne’s “My Love” with Ayra Starr has scored the most points. It is the only sophomore single to be a hit. Jesy’s “Bad Thing” debuted at #6 but only lasted a month on the chart.

Newly certified

“Girl, So Confusing (Remix)” – Charli XCX & Lorde GOLD

“Gaan We Weg?” – Roxy Dekker & Ronnie Flex GOLD

“Too Sweet” – Hozier PLATINUM

Best-scoring Little Mix solo songs so far

1. “Forget About Us” – Perrie

2. “Don’t Say Love” – Leigh-Anne

3. “My Love” – Leigh-Anne & Ayra Starr“
4. BOYZ” – Jesy Nelson & Nicki Minaj“
5. Angel of My Dreams” – JADE

6. “Bad Thing” – Jesy Nelson

7. “Tears” – Perrie

8. “Stealin’ Love” – Leigh-Anne

9. “Forbidden Fruit” – Leigh-Anne