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The inside scoop on R&B songstress Ella Mai’s award-winning music career, motherhood and private relationship with Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.

Who is Ella Mai?

Ella Mai Howell is a British R&B singer-songwriter. Her musical journey began at London’s British and Irish Modern Music Institute in 2014.

She gained initial exposure as part of a trio on the eleventh season of “The X Factor”. Though the group did not progress far, she continued to pursue her musical ambitions.

Mai’s career significantly advanced when she was discovered on Instagram and subsequently signed to DJ Mustard’s 10 Summers Records. Her breakthrough came with the 2018 single “Boo’d Up”, which achieved widespread success and earned her a Grammy Award.

Following this, her debut self-titled album further solidified her position in the R&B scene.

Mai has released multiple EPs and albums and continues to create popular music.

Ella Mai Age

Ella Mai was born on November 3, 1994. She is 30 years old (as of March 2025).

Ella Mai Nationality

Ella Mai is English. She was born in London, England.

Where is Ella Mai from?

Ella Mai was born in London, England.

Ella Mai Biography

Born in London to a Jamaican mother and an English-Irish father, Ella Mai was named after Ella Fitzgerald. She moved to New York City at the age of 12 before returning to England at 17. She graduated from Queens High School of Teaching. 

Mai’s musical journey commenced at London’s British and Irish Modern Music Institute in 2014. 

During this period, she auditioned as part of a trio on the eleventh series of “The X Factor” but did not progress beyond the initial audition.

In 2015, Mai released her debut extended play, “Troubled”, a four-track collection. This release, along with her social media performances, attracted the attention of American record producer DJ Mustard. He signed Mai to his label, 10 Summers Records, under Interscope Records.

Between 2016 and 2018, she released three further EPs: “Time”, “Change” and “Ready”. Her self-titled debut studio album, released in 2018, featured the singles “Boo’d Up” and “Trip”. 

“Boo’d Up” achieved significant success, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. She also received a nomination for Song of the Year. “Trip” peaked at number 11 on the same chart.

Mai’s debut album reached substantial sales and she embarked on her first tour in 2019. That year, she won three Billboard Music Awards, including Top R&B Artist. 

She also made guest appearances on tracks by JID and Meek Mill. Her performance on “Saturday Night Live” was well received.

Ella Mai Career

Ella Mai began her musical pursuits at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute in London in 2014. 

She auditioned for “The X Factor” as part of the trio Arize but they did not advance past the initial stages and subsequently disbanded. 

In 2015, Mai uploaded her solo EP “Troubled” to SoundCloud. This release led to her discovery by DJ Mustard on Instagram and she was signed to his label 10 Summers Records under Interscope Records.

Her career progressed with the release of three EPs: “Time” in 2016 featuring the single “She Don’t” with Ty Dolla Sign followed by “Change” and “Ready”.

The song “Boo’d Up” from “Ready” gained traction on social media and in nightclubs. Mai toured with Kehlani which increased her exposure.   

The music video for “Boo’d Up” was released in 2018 and the song became a top ten hit in the United States.

It was hailed as a breakthrough single and reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. She also joined Bruno Mars on his 24K Magic World Tour.   

Mai released the single “Trip” which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her self-titled debut album followed featuring guest appearances from Chris Brown John Legend and H.E.R. 

The album sold well and she announced her first tour. She also made guest appearances on songs by JID and Meek Mill and performed on “Saturday Night Live”.   

She received Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song and Song of the Year for “Boo’d Up” winning the former. 

“Boo’d Up” also won a Billboard Music Award. In 2019, she won further Billboard Music Awards for Top R&B Artist and Top Female R&B Artist. She appeared in a sketch on Nickelodeon’s “All That”.   

In 2020, her debut album received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album. She released the singles “Not Another Love Song” in 2020 and “DFMU” in 2022. 

Her second album “Heart on My Sleeve” was released in 2022 and debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200.

Ella Mai Influences

Ella Mai identifies Lauryn Hill, Chris Brown, Brandy, Destiny’s Child, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey as her most significant influences.

Mai blends classic R&B sensibilities with modern influences, creating a sound that resonates with older and younger audiences.

Ella Mai Vinyl

Ella Mai’s music is available on vinyl, and there is a growing interest in collecting her records. According to multiple sources, her self-titled debut album (“Ella Mai”) is available on vinyl.

Mai’s recent work like “Heart On My Sleeve” is also available in vinyl format.

There are also special edition vinyls, like anniversary vinyl box sets of her earlier EP’s.

Online retailers like Amazon, Merchbar and Discogs offer the British singer’s vinyl records.

They can also find them at record stores.

Interscope Records, the record label she is signed to, also has vinyl available on their web page.

Ella Mai Awards

• BET Awards (2019) “Trip” Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
• Billboard Music Awards (2019) Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Female Artist, Top R&B Song (Boo’d Up)
• BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards (2019) Winning Song (Boo’d Up)
• Grammy Awards (2019) Song of the Year (Boo’d Up)
• iHeartRadio Music Awards (2019) Best New R&B Artist, R&B Artist of the Year, R&B Song of the Year (Boo’d Up)
• NAACP Image Awards (2019) Outstanding New Artist, Outstanding Song,  Outstanding Album (Ella Mai)
• Soul Train Music Awards (2018) The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award, Best R&B/Soul Female Artist

Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai have maintained a notably private relationship. 

They have successfully kept details of their personal lives, including Mai’s pregnancy, out of the public eye. Mai revealed her pregnancy during the celebration of Tatum’s 2024 NBA Finals win.

Their romantic connection first surfaced in 2019 when Mai was seen attending one of Tatum’s basketball games. 

Despite this, they have consistently avoided public discussions about their relationship. Mai, during a 2022 appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” remained evasive when questioned about her rumoured romance with Tatum, only acknowledging her interest in basketball.

While they have largely kept their relationship discreet, Tatum and Mai made a public appearance together at Michael Rubin’s Fourth of July White Party in the Hamptons in July 2022. 

Since then, they have continued to maintain a low profile, prioritising their careers and family.   

The couple’s emphasis on privacy has led to surprises for their fans, such as the announcement of their second child. They have prioritised keeping their family life outside of the public eye, only giving occasional glimpses of their life together. 

Ella Mai Parents

While details about their personal lives remain private, Ella Mai was born in London to a Jamaican mother and an English-Irish father.

Her mother, a fan of American jazz, named her after Ella Fitzgerald.  Ella’s mother’s love for music played a significant role in inspiring the singer’s musical journey. 

Ella Mai Instagram 

Ella Mai is on Instagram, sharing updates about her music, performances and personal life. She can be found on Instagram (@ellamai).

Ella Mai is only on X, formerly Twitter (@ellamai), while she has a YouTube channel. 

Ella Mai Net Worth

Ella Mai’s estimated net worth is approximately $6 million. This valuation stems from her successful music career, including album sales, streaming revenue and touring. 

Her hit singles and albums have contributed significantly to her financial standing.