Ella Mai's Pets

Ella Mai is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame with her hit single “Boo’d Up” in 2018. Born in London, England, Ella Mai Howell moved to New York City as a child before settling in South London, where she was exposed to a variety of musical genres.

Before gaining international recognition, Ella Mai worked as a receptionist at a recording studio in London, where she would often record covers of popular songs in her spare time. In 2014, she auditioned for the eleventh season of The X Factor UK as part of a trio called Arize but was eliminated during the initial auditions.

However, Ella Mai didn’t let the setback discourage her and continued to pursue her passion for music. In 2016, she signed with DJ Mustard‘s record label, 10 Summers Records, and released three EPs under the label. Her breakthrough single “Boo’d Up” was released in February 2018 and quickly became a viral sensation, peaking at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Since then, Ella Mai has received critical acclaim for her soulful R&B sound, earning comparisons to legends like Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige. In 2019, she won the award for Best R&B Song at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards for “Boo’d Up,” making her the first UK artist to win the category.

One of the milestones in Ella Mai’s career was the release of her eponymous debut album in 2018, which featured hit singles like “Boo’d Up” and “Trip.” The album debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart and received widespread critical acclaim for its cohesive blend of classic R&B and contemporary sound.

Another significant milestone in Ella Mai’s career was her performance at the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where she performed alongside artists like Ariana Grande and Childish Gambino. Her performance was well-received by both critics and fans, solidifying her status as one of the rising stars in R&B music.

Throughout her career, Ella Mai has collaborated with a range of artists from different genres, including Meek Mill, Chris Brown, and H.E.R. In 2019, she joined Khalid on his Free Spirit World Tour and was also a supporting act on Ariana Grande’s Sweetener World Tour.

Other celebrities that Ella Mai has worked with include John Legend, Ty Dolla $ign, and Usher. Her collaboration with Usher on the song “Don’t Waste My Time” was a standout moment in 2020, with the song receiving critical acclaim for its smooth, nostalgic sound.