As the first group to win the British edition of Simon Cowell’s singing competition The X Factor, Little Mix set a high standard from their formation in 2011. In the years since, the quartet have exceeded any expectations placed on them, performing spirited pop that unapologetically shows off its members’ personalities and effortlessly fit in with the 2010s’ constantly shifting pop trends. Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall had all auditioned as solo singers when trying out for The X Factor but were put together early on in the show’s run, and their charisma and harmonies won over viewers. Little Mix’s first single from their 2012 debut album, “Wings,” was an ideal opening statement for them, its themes of empowerment boosted by a stomping beat and a sing-along-worthy chorus. Since then, they have channeled confident girl groups like the Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child as well as forward-thinking singers like Janet Jackson and Rihanna, with singles like the sparkling “Black Magic,” the defiant “Shout Out to My Ex,” and 2017’s chaotic Stormzy collab “Power” combining no-nonsense lyrics with immediate beats. In 2020, they cemented their legacy both on record and with Little Mix: The Search, a reality-TV show tasked with putting together a next-generation band—demonstrating that their goal since they were put together in the early 2010s has been lifting up people all over the world through energetic, danceable pop.