They’ve come a long way since they swanned onto our tv screens in hotpants and crop tops as
contestants on The X factor, but are Little Mix ready to take over the British pop scene and crown
themselves as the best girl band around?

It was only back in 2011 than four unknown girls; Jade, Jesy, Leigh-Anne, Perrie, queued up for hours on end just to have their two minutes on the famous X. But when dreams of a solo career were shattered for the wannabe singers, Simon Cowell kindly took it upon himself to put the girls together and form a girl group. Little Mix, then named ‘Rhythmix’, were taken under the wing of the ‘female boss’ herself Tulisa Contostavlos, who led the girls to victory in the eighth series of the X Factor. Despite an unsuccessful single in the form of ‘Canonball’; an overly harmonised version of Damien Rice’s 2003 original, Little Mix have proved over the years that maybe there is more to life than the X Factor, and even with the lowest winning single sales since Steve Brookstein (Remember him!?), they’re every bit capable of coming to the forefront in the pop world.

Branded as the new Spice Girls (arguably, we may add…) Little Mix’s pop career has gone from strength to strength since the release of their 2012 album ‘DNA’ which peaked at number 3 in the UK album chart. Various live appearances, a host of award nominations (Glamour and Virgin Media to name but a few), and Little Mix have already made their path for future success just two years after first meeting. Yet in the age of the social network, Little Mix’s road to success has not been easy one, with the impacts of cyber-bullying taking their toll after Twitter users took to the net to troll member Jesy Nelson about her size. Facing so much pressure from the public proves a difficult issue for the girls; who seem constantly bombarded by claims ranging from supposed body hang- ups, to cheating allegations as Perrie Edwards’ boyfriend Zayn Mallik was reported to struggle in keeping a wondering eye under control. But in true girl power, or even popstar professional style, Little Mix are supportive of their ‘Mixer’s, encouraging an inner confidence and openly speaking out against issues such as airbrushing and body image matters.

We could easily push Little Mix aside, snobbishly ignoring the X Factor’s takeover of the pop industry, but despite endless Twitter selfies and a somewhat unimaginative sense of style, Little Mix have really proved their ability as a girl band, and one thing’s for sure, it seems girl power really is here to stay.

 

Words: Charlotte Stones

Photo: thatgrapejuice.net