Little Mix have hit out at the “double standards” between men and women when it comes to revealing stage costumes.
Their comments follow a wave of criticism after they made a return to the X Factor stage last weekend to perform their new single, Shout Out To My Ex, wearing coordinated outfits of super-short shorts, tiny tops and thigh-length boots.
While their wardrobe divided viewer opinions – with some saying they were too provocative and others pointing out they were still wearing more than a swimming costume – the girl group spoke on ITV’s This Morning to set the record straight.
Jade Thirlwall told presenters Phillip Schofield and Christine Lampard on Thursday: “It’s a bit double standards, you always see lads with their tops off and everyone congratulates them and woos them, and we get a bit of thigh out and it’s a bit of an issue.
“We were really comfortable in our outfits and we loved what we wore, so that’s all that matters.”
Little Mix described Shout Out To My Ex as a “happy kind of heartbreak song”, and it features on their latest album, Glory Days, which will take them on a USA tour with Ariana Grande.
Jade, along with bandmates Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson, said the album “marked a new era for Little Mix”.
ITV’s Lorraine Kelly said earlier in the week that the costumes they picked for The X Factor performance showed a maturing of the group, which rose to stardom after winning the competition five years ago.
Jesy’s soon-to-be mother-in-law Coleen Nolan also pointed out that the outfits were not far from some of the classic pieces worn on-stage by Beyonce.
Costumes aside, at least their real fans know what’s important:
SHOUT OUT TO MY EX! Omg, the girls slayed their perf at the X Factor UK!!!! Such a proud mixer here, much love to @LittleMix 😍 #SOTME 😘😍💞💯
— Bb. Teres∆ (@sporadickrish) October 20, 2016
@LittleMix the queens of pop right now forget beyonce yous are the queens and the greatest x factor winners in history
— Dale Andrew Gardner (@dalegardner161) October 20, 2016
@LittleMix wanted to mention your outfits on the X factor you looked amazing girls should be able to dress as they wish
— Elaine De Fries (@Amazonian333) October 20, 2016
