Cheryl made a rare public appearance at Bazaar’s Women of the Year Awards, where she honored fellow Geordie and musician Jade Thirlwall by presenting her with the prestigious Musician Award. The event drew a star-studded crowd, including actresses Reese Witherspoon, America Ferrera, Aimee Lou Wood, Gillian Anderson, Nia DaCosta, Erin Doherty, and Olivia Wilde.
Cheryl looked elegant in a black long-sleeved dress featuring a lace panel by Alberta Ferretti, styled with a sleek low ponytail. Thirlwall dazzled in a striking red asymmetric gown by Vivienne Westwood, embellished with a dramatic train, complemented by bold makeup that highlighted her graphic eyes and nostalgic nineties lip.
During her speech, Cheryl emphasized their shared backgrounds and aspirations, stating, “We both grew up determined to follow our dreams of making it in the world of pop music.” She acknowledged the bravery required in both auditioning for talent shows and the challenges of pursuing a solo career after gaining fame in a girl group. “The singer I’m about to welcome on this stage has done exactly that,” she said, referring to Thirlwall.
Thirlwall has publicly credited Cheryl as an inspiration for her own solo venture, expressing her admiration, “If that Geordie hun can do it, so can I. I’m obsessed with Cheryl, I think she’s incredible.”
In her cover interview with Bazaar, Thirlwall reflected on the intense pressures faced by her and her Little Mix bandmates, revealing that they often felt they were on a “tightrope of success.” She reminisced about moments of vulnerability during their rise, sharing how the group once worried about the potential consequences of not hitting the Top 10.
The significance of Cheryl’s appearance at the awards resonates particularly in light of the BBC’s recent documentary, “Girlbands Forever,” which chronicles the challenges encountered by popular British girl groups, such as All Saints, Eternal, and The Spice Girls. This production highlights the underlying pressures experienced by young female artists, echoing Thirlwall’s sentiments about her time with Little Mix. Cheryl’s presence and support for Thirlwall exemplify the spirit of solidarity and empowerment among women in the music industry, showcasing the enduring legacy of girl power.
The 2025 Women of the Year Awards took place at Claridge’s, in collaboration with The Platinum Card® by American Express, with support from Dr. Barbara Sturm, De Beers, Laurent Perrier, and Range Rover.