North East musicians Sam Fender and Jade Thirlwall shone brightly at the esteemed 2025 Brit Awards, stealing the spotlight with their exceptional talent and well-deserved wins.
The evening proved to be a triumphant one for Fender as he clinched the prestigious award for best alternative/rock act. In a moment of gratitude, Fender dedicated his win to his hometown of Shields, acknowledging the unwavering support of his community. With a touch of humor, he quipped that he was “nowhere near as drunk as last time,” adding a light-hearted touch to his acceptance speech.
Adding to his accolades, Fender’s success extended beyond the awards ceremony as he triumphed on the UK album charts with his chart-topping album, People Watching. The culmination of a remarkable week, Fender’s victories underscored his undeniable talent and rising prominence in the music industry.
On the other hand, Jade Thirlwall, hailing from South Shields, captivated the audience with a mesmerizing performance of her song “Angel Of My Dreams” and secured the title of best pop act. Formerly of the acclaimed group Little Mix, Jade shared her journey of introspection and growth as she delved into a period of songwriting following the band’s hiatus in 2022.
In an interview with the BBC, the 32-year-old songstress expressed her gratitude for the nominations she received, highlighting the significance of her track “Angel of My Dreams” as a poignant reflection on her complex relationship with fame and the music industry. With sincerity and resilience, Jade’s poignant lyrics shed light on the personal sacrifices and challenges that accompany stardom, resonating with audiences on a deeper level.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of her fans in her success, Jade conveyed her heartfelt appreciation, emphasizing that their unwavering support was the driving force behind her achievements. Furthermore, she extended gratitude to her family and friends for instilling in her the belief that her dreams of becoming a pop star were within reach since childhood.
As she accepted the award for best pop act, Jade paid tribute to her “Little Mix sisters,” acknowledging their profound impact on her life and career. Embracing the bond of sisterhood and camaraderie that defined her journey in the music industry, Jade expressed her deep love and gratitude towards her fellow bandmates, recognizing their instrumental role in shaping her artistic evolution.
In a moment of humility and vulnerability, Fender, upon receiving the award for best rock and alternative act, openly admitted to feeling nervous as he expressed his gratitude to his loyal fans. With a touch of self-deprecation, Fender humorously acknowledged his initial jitters, highlighting the genuine emotions that underpinned his acceptance speech.
Recognizing the collaborative effort that underpinned his success, Fender extended heartfelt thanks to his bandmates, emphasizing the indispensable role they played in bringing his musical vision to life. With a touch of whimsy, he humorously mused that without his band,
