Ella Mai Howell, professionally known as Ella Mai, is a British R&B singer and songwriter who has captivated audiences worldwide with her soulful voice and fresh take on classic R&B. Born on November 3, 1994, in London, Ella moved to New York City at the age of 12 before returning to the UK when she was 17. Her musical journey began in 2014 when she auditioned for “The X Factor” UK as part of the group Arize, though they did not make it past the auditions. Undeterred, she turned to SoundCloud, where she began posting original tracks that eventually caught the attention of American producer DJ Mustard. In 2015, she signed with his label, 10 Summers Records, officially launching her career.

Ella Mai’s breakout moment came in 2018 with the release of her self-titled debut album, which featured the massively successful single “Boo’d Up.” The song not only reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. In 2022, she released her follow-up album, Heart on My Sleeve, continuing to explore contemporary R&B themes. Drawing influence from legendary artists like Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, and Mariah Carey, Ella Mai combines heartfelt lyrics with modern production, earning her a broad and dedicated fan base. Beyond her music career, Ella’s personal life has garnered attention, with her relationship with NBA star Jayson Tatum and the couple welcoming their first child in 2024.