Brief
Jade Thirlwall breaks down after Mercury Prize nomination while on Ibiza writing trip
The former Little Mix member was in Ibiza on a songwriting retreat when she received the call that her debut solo album was shortlisted alongside Paul McCartney and others.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ex‑Little Mix vocalist Jade Thirlwall said she burst into tears when she learned her debut solo album, That’s Showbiz Baby!, was shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize. The singer was in Ibiza on a writing trip when the shortlist was announced, according to Standard.
What happened
Thirlwall, who grew up in South Shields, South Tyneside, was on a songwriting retreat in Ibiza when she received the call that her album had joined the shortlist with Sir Paul McCartney, Raye, Suede and Olivia Dean. The Mercury Prize ceremony will be held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, where Thirlwall will perform on the night the winner is revealed.
What the reports add
The article notes that the shortlist also includes a War Child charity album featuring Pulp, who contributed to the 2026 War Child Records Help(2) compilation. Pulp members Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle and Nick Banks each offered brief comments about the band’s history with the prize. Suede’s bassist Mat Osman reflected on how the event has changed since the band won in 1993, and Newcastle jazz group Knats expressed excitement about performing at the venue that inspired them.
What was said
“When it was first announced I was in Ibiza on a writing trip – not living it up – with my songwriting friends, and I got the call and I just cried, I was like ‘I can’t believe it’,” Thirlwall told Standard.
“I think especially when you do pop music, you don’t necessarily expect these sort of accolades. So to receive it, alongside such incredible musicians, I couldn’t ask for more,” she added.
Jarvis Cocker said, “It’s a history we’ve got, 30 years ago almost to the day is when we won it for Different Class and we gave that away to the first War Child album and here we are again representing the second War Child album… it makes it seem like there’s something cosmic about it.”
Candida Doyle added, “As long as we’re not doing the same thing in 30 years.”
Nick Banks joked, “We will be pushing 50 in 30 years won’t we, so we definitely won’t be doing that.”
Mat Osman of Suede said, “It’s a lot bigger, it’s a lot more sober, the dressing room smells more of Ralgex than it did in 1993. It’s lovely actually… it’s lovely to see it thriving.”
Knats bassist Stan Woodward said, “There’s some great music coming out of Newcastle… It’s mental, it’s crazy, we’re here rocking.”
How it came about
Thirlwall’s nomination follows her departure from Little Mix in 2022 and the release of her solo debut earlier this year. The Mercury Prize, a prestigious UK music award, has previously highlighted artists from diverse genres. Earlier this week, Felo News covered Raye’s win at the same ceremony (Raye wins 2026 Mercury Prize), underscoring the high‑profile nature of the event.
Key facts
- Jade Thirlwall’s debut solo album ‘That’s Showbiz Baby!’ was shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize. (standard.co.uk)
- Thirlwall received the news while on a songwriting trip in Ibiza. (standard.co.uk)
- The Mercury Prize ceremony will be held at Utilita Arena in Newcastle. (standard.co.uk)
- Other nominees include Paul McCartney, Raye, Suede and Olivia Dean. (standard.co.uk)
- Pulp contributed to a War Child charity album also shortlisted for the prize. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Ex-Little Mix star wept when she was nominated for Mercury Prize”
