In 2011 X Factor contestants Perry Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall were put together in a group originally named Rythmics. During the season 8 competition the name changed to Little Mix to avoid a legal battle with a Children’s music charity of the same name.
Their mentor and judge Tulisa Contostavlos guided them to their victory as the group became the first and only group to win in the series long running. They released their winner’s single Cannonball a cover of singer-songwriter’s Damien Rice 2007 single.
Their debut album DNA was released in 2012 to outstanding album sales in Europe. It debuted in their home country UK at number 3 and was released internationally in 2013 peaking at number 4 on Billboard 200 during it’s first week. DNA was the first top 5 debut from a girl group since 2006 release by Destiny’s Child. The album featured a song written by T-Boz of TLC.
They have reached international success with a fandom continuously growing named the Mixers. The girls became a tour in September 2012. Each member has humble beginnings. Leigh Anne Pinnock was a waitress at Pizza Hut.
