Irish Singer Nell Mescal Shines at TRNSMT Festival, Brother Paul Mescal in Spotlight

Irish singer-songwriter Nell Mescal captivated audiences at the TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow on July 14, 2025, showcasing her talent on the BBC Introducing stage. This performance drew attention not only for her music but also for her notable familial connection to Hollywood star Paul Mescal, known for his roles in Gladiator and Normal People.

Nell Mescal’s Rising Star

At just 22 years old, Nell Mescal proved that she is a formidable talent in her own right. During her set, she performed her unreleased song Carried Away, which resonated with the audience as they sang along after she teased the track on TikTok. Her excitement was palpable as she later shared on social media, “I’m [actually] still beaming from ear to ear thank u [Transmit]. I will think about u for a long long time.”

Having moved to London in 2021 to pursue her musical career, Nell has been influenced by artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Frank Ocean, and Bon Iver. She articulated her artistic goal by stating, “If I can write a song that makes someone feel something in any capacity or give them some kind of release, that was always my number one thing.”

Festival Highlights and Other Performers

The TRNSMT Festival attracted a diverse lineup, with former Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall headlining. Thirlwall, who has successfully transitioned to a solo career, performed a mix of her own music and popular tracks from her time with the band, including Shout Out To My Ex and a cover of Madonna’s Frozen. Sporting a striking tartan dress, she expressed her affection for Scotland and shared her love for local delicacies like haggis and Irn Bru in a backstage social media post.

Despite a wardrobe malfunction during her performance that prompted her to pause, Thirlwall maintained her sense of humor, quipping, “Oh my god it is hot. I know we’ve just got going, but if you don’t mind I’m going to take myself stage right as my t**s are literally out.”

With temperatures soaring to 30 degrees Celsius, the festival provided a vibrant atmosphere that resonated with Scottish audiences. As the event unfolded, it became clear that both Nell Mescal and Jade Thirlwall left a lasting impression, marking their places in the spotlight of the music festival scene.