JLS

JLS

Company type	Boy band
Industry	Music
Founded	2007
Founder	Oritsé Williams
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Music albums and singles

JLS—an acronym for Jack the Lad Swing—is a British boy band composed of Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams, Marvin Humes, and JB Gill. The group was originally formed by Williams. Their initial affiliation was with the production company New Track City, and they gained prominence as runners-up on the fifth season of ITV's The X Factor in 2008, finishing second to Alexandra Burke. Subsequently, JLS signed a recording contract with Epic Records. Their first two singles, "Beat Again" and "Everybody in Love", both reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.

Their debut album, titled JLS, was released on 9 November 2009, and has achieved sales exceeding 1.5 million copies within the UK. At the 2010 BRIT Awards, JLS earned accolades for British Breakthrough Artist and British Single for "Beat Again." They also secured several MOBO Awards, including Best Song ("Beat Again") in 2009, Best UK Act and Best Album in 2010, as well as Best Video for "Do You Feel What I Feel?" in 2012. The band was recognized as the UK's hardest-working group in both 2011 and 2012.

In 2010, JLS inked a deal with US label Jive Records and introduced "Everybody in Love" as their debut single in the American market; however, it failed to chart. Their lead single from the sophomore album, "The Club Is Alive", released in July 2010, marked their third UK number-one hit. The official Children in Need charity single "Love You More" became their fourth UK chart-topper. Their collaboration with Dev on "She Makes Me Wanna" secured their fifth number-one position in the UK. By 2012, JLS's debut album and singles were ranked among the top ten best-selling debuts associated with The X Factor. As of 2013, each member's net worth was estimated at £6 million, collectively amounting to around £24 million.

In May 2013, after seven years together, JLS declared their disbandment following the release of a greatest hits compilation and a final arena tour across the UK and Ireland. The group reunited in February 2020 with plans for the Beat Again Tour initially set for November but postponed to October 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to data from the British Phonographic Industry, JLS has sold more than 2.6 million albums and 3.6 million singles within the United Kingdom.

2007–2008: Establishment as UFO

Oritsé Williams embarked on his musical journey driven by the need to fund his mother’s treatment for multiple sclerosis. Initially approached by various boy bands, he aimed to form a group with authentic chemistry, drawing inspiration from the Four Tops. Williams took the initiative to create his own ensemble, enlisting Marvin Humes, who brought valuable R&B and pop experience from his time with VS. Next to join was Aston Merrygold, recognized for his athletic skills and prior appearances on ITV children's programming. The final member, JB Gill, completed the lineup with his keen musical ear and harmony skills. Together, they formed UFO, standing for Unique Famous Outrageous.

Under the guidance of Tracklacers, UFO crafted a distinctive sound dubbed "Jack the Lad Swing," which fused elements of "Jack the lad" culture with new jack swing urban music. Shortly thereafter, they secured a contract with Epic Records and won Best Unsigned Act at the 2007 Urban Music Awards thanks to their innovative mash-up of "Stand by Me" and "Beautiful Girls." Their follow-up release was "Slap Ya Elbow". The group acknowledges 'DJ Triz' for his role in producing and co-writing one of their earliest tracks.

2008–2009: The X Factor and rebranding

In 2008, UFO auditioned for the fifth season of The X Factor but adopted the name JLS—an acronym for Jack the Lad Swing—after discovering another group held rights to the original name. As other acts were eliminated early on, JLS became Louis Walsh’s sole remaining group. Judges consistently regarded them as the standout band of the competition. Although they landed in the bottom two during week 7, they were saved by votes from Walsh, Cheryl Cole, and Simon Cowell, who expressed that they did not merit being at risk.

During the quarter-final round, their rendition of "...Baby One More Time" received mixed feedback; Cowell initially hinted at their elimination but reversed his stance after they performed "You Light Up My Life," declaring them "back in the race" with potential for a hit single. In the semi-final, their performances of "Umbrella" and "I'm Already There" prompted Cowell to predict their victory.

JLS advanced to the final, delivering a cover of "Hallelujah," ultimately finishing as runners-up behind Alexandra Burke. They became only the fourth band ever to reach the final stage. Their manager anticipated a strong partnership with Epic Records, where they subsequently signed in January 2009.

2009–2010: JLS

Following their signing, Epic A&R executives Nick Raphael and Jo Charrington enlisted top-tier songwriters and producers such as Steve Mac, Wayne Hector, J.R. Rotem, and DEEKAY. Mac introduced "Beat Again", co-written with Hector, which was promptly selected as JLS's debut single. Released in July 2009, it soared to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. Their self-titled debut album, JLS, launched on 9 November 2009, debuted atop the UK Album Chart, selling over one million copies within two months and ranking as the sixth best-selling album in the UK that year. The follow-up single "Everybody in Love" also reached number one in the UK charts, while "One Shot" peaked at number six. The album's popularity led to a headline tour across 25 venues in the UK and Ireland. In 2010, JLS made history as the first The X Factor alumni to win a BRIT Award, securing both British Breakthrough Artist and Best British Single for "Beat Again". Music mogul Jay-Z predicted they would achieve success comparable to 'N Sync.

At the start of 2010, US labels Epic Records and Jive Records competed fiercely to sign JLS for entry into the American market; ultimately, they joined Jive while retaining their UK contract with Sony Music UK's Epic Records. By August 2010, their debut album had surpassed sales of 1.2 million copies and attained quadruple Platinum status in the UK.

2010–2011: Outta This World

In March 2010, producer and songwriter Steve Mac was engaged in creating JLS's sophomore album. Contributor Lucas Secon noted a move toward more acoustic and organic sounds, mirroring the changing landscape of pop music. By August, songwriter-producer Chris Braide revealed he had crafted two tracks by initially building basic "skeleton" versions, which the JLS members later completed during sessions at his London studio, with one track finalized within a single day.

The album’s lead single, "The Club Is Alive", was announced in April and launched on 4 July 2010. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number one, securing JLS their third chart-topping single in the UK. Although there were rumors about releasing "Ay Mama" featuring Shontelle in the US, the band clarified that it was not confirmed for inclusion on the album. On 16 September 2010, the second single, "Love You More", was revealed as the official BBC Children in Need track and became their fourth UK number-one hit. The group collaborated with Toby Gad and Wayne Hector on writing this song.

Outta This World was officially released on 22 November 2010, debuting at number two on the UK Albums Chart with first-week sales of 152,000 units, trailing behind Take That's Progress. The third single, "Eyes Wide Shut", remixed to include rapper Tinie Tempah, reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart.

Member Marvin Merrygold disclosed plans to collaborate with Bruno Mars on their third album and mentioned talks about working with artists such as Usher or Rihanna. On 7 January 2011, Outta This World received double platinum certification from the BPI for surpassing 600,000 sales in the UK.

2011–2012: Jukebox and Evolution

Work on JLS's third studio album, Jukebox, began in March 2011. Its lead single, "She Makes Me Wanna" featuring American vocalist Dev, was digitally released on 24 July 2011 after being sent to radio stations on 25 May. The track was produced by BeatGeek, Jimmy Joker, and Teddy Sky from RedOne’s production team. The full album followed on 14 November 2011 and was supported by a UK arena tour in early 2012. The second single, "Take a Chance on Me", dropped on 4 November 2011 and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. The third single, "Do You Feel What I Feel?", released on 1 January 2012, reached number sixteen—the group's lowest chart position to date. Jukebox reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and number five in Ireland.

In 2012, JLS recorded "Proud", the official charity single for Sport Relief, which was released on 18 March. Co-written with Daniel Davidsen, Jason Gill, Cutfather, and Ali Tennant—collaborators from their Jukebox project—the band also performed at prominent events such as the Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace and the Rays of Sunshine concert held at Royal Albert Hall. Additionally, they were confirmed as performers for the iTunes Festival 2012, sharing the lineup with artists including Olly Murs and One Direction.

On 21 August 2012, JLS filmed the music video for "Hottest Girl in the World", which served as the lead single for their forthcoming fourth album. They announced the album title as Evolution on 25 August, with a release date set for 5 November. Band member Merrygold described this project as one crafted without rigid constraints, emphasizing genuine expression. A Deluxe edition featuring additional tracks was also planned. The production roster includes prominent US producers such as Rodney Jerkins, Bangladesh, and Midi Mafia. The lead single premiered on BBC Radio 1 on 6 September and was officially released on 21 October, debuting at number six on the UK Singles Chart.

2013: Goodbye – The Greatest Hits and disbandment

On 14 December 2012, JLS made a special guest appearance on Friday Download. Shortly after, on 17 December, Humes revealed intentions to follow up Evolution with a new album in 2013. By early February 2013, the group had commenced work on what was planned to be their fifth studio record.

Nevertheless, on 24 April 2013, JLS declared they would be parting ways after releasing a greatest hits compilation and completing a farewell arena tour. They confirmed that Goodbye – The Greatest Hits would be issued later that year, accompanied by a new single connected to their final UK tour. Their last single, "Billion Lights", was released on 17 November 2013 and reached number 19 on the UK Singles Chart.

The band officially disbanded following their concluding performance at The O2 Arena in London on 22 December 2013.

2020–present: Reunion, Beat Again Tour, and 2.0

In November 2019, rumors emerged about JLS reuniting with plans for touring and releasing new material. This was confirmed on 12 February 2020 when the Beat Again Tour was announced. In February 2021, the band clarified that a drill track titled "Time" attributed to them was not their creation.

On 8 March 2021, JLS inked a new recording contract with BMG to develop fresh music. The lead single from their fifth studio album 2.0, "Eternal Love", debuted on 3 September 2021.

2.0 reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, marking their sixth consecutive album to enter the UK Top 10. It also attained number 3 in Scotland and number 35 in Ireland.

On 23 February 2023, JLS announced the Everybody Say JLS: The Hits Tour, scheduled for Autumn 2023, beginning in Dublin and concluding in Sheffield.

Later, on 20 March 2025, they confirmed another tour titled The Club is Alive: The 2025 Hits Tour, which will feature guest artist Example. This tour is set to run from 6 November at OVO Hydro through to 29 November at The O2.

Influences

During their audition for The X Factor in 2008, JLS cited influential acts such as Four Tops, Take That, Boyz II Men, Westlife, and Jodeci. Additional significant inspirations include Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Take 6, Will.i.am, The Temptations, Bell Biv DeVoe, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Richie, and the Police. Aston Merrygold has mentioned artists like Usher, Michael Jackson, Mario, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Boyz II Men as key influences. Marvin Humes draws from Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Ne-Yo, Mariah Carey, Prince, Boyz II Men, Justin Timberlake, and Craig David. JB Gill lists Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Richie among his inspirations.

Television appearances

In addition to promoting their music releases, JLS starred in two notable television specials. The first was an hour-long documentary titled JLS Revealed, which aired on ITV2 on 7 November 2009. This program chronicled their year following their runner-up finish on The X Factor, covering their tour with Lemar, single launches, and attendance at the MOBO Awards. The second special, an hour-long entertainment show called This Is JLS, aired on ITV on 11 December 2010 ahead of that year's X Factor final. Filmed before a live audience, it featured performances of tracks from the Outta This World album as well as a duet with Kylie Minogue performing "All the Lovers", alongside surprise hidden camera pranks for fans.

JLS also released JLS: Eyes Wide Open 3D, becoming the first British music group to premiere a film in this format. Captured during their Outta This World tour at The O2 Arena (December 2010–January 2011) with additional documentary footage by Ben Winston and Andy Morahan, it was shown exclusively over three days starting from 3 June 2011 across more than 300 cinemas in the UK. Due to sold-out screenings, extra showings were added the following weekend. The film opened at number five at the UK Box Office with earnings of £463,914 during its debut weekend. A DVD release followed on 5 December 2011. Moreover, JLS produced a Christmas special titled A Very JLS Christmas, featuring guests including Alesha Dixon.

On 28 June 2013, JLS appeared on The Million Pound Drop, participating for charity.

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Celebrity guest
December 2008	The X Factor	Runners up	Broadcast on ITV
7 November 2009	"JLS Revealed"	Themselves	TV special on ITV2
11 December 2010	"This Is JLS"	Themselves	TV special aired on ITV	Kylie Minogue
28 June 2013	"The Million Pound Drop"	Themselves	Charity appearance
December 2013	"A Very JLS Christmas"	Themselves	Christmas special program	Alesha Dixon
December 2013	"Greatest Hits Tour"	Farewell Tour Performers	Final tour at The O2 Arena
March 2020	"Saturday Night Takeaway"	Guest Appearance	End of show guest spot

Products and endorsements

JLS released two highly successful books showcasing photography by Dean Freeman. Their debut book, Our Story So Far, was published by HarperCollins in September 2009 and achieved best-seller status in The Sunday Times. Following this, the group issued a second volume titled Just Between Us: Our Private Diary through HarperCollins in September 2010, which also became a best-seller during the lead-up to Christmas.

In addition to their apparel range and standard merchandise such as calendars and posters, JLS collaborated with Durex to launch a branded condom line under the "Just Love Safe" campaign. This project supports the JLS Foundation’s mission to encourage safe sex practices and family planning, working alongside sexual health organizations including Brook. The foundation itself was established in September 2010. Each member individually champions various charitable causes: Merrygold supports Beatbullying, Humes acts as patron for Childline, Gill is affiliated with Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity, and Williams represents the National MS Society. Notably, Williams was honoured with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain "Inspiration Award" in April 2010 for his efforts in charity.

January 2011 saw JLS team up with Alexandra Burke to introduce the fashion label 2KX, featuring collections for both men and women. In alignment with their third album "Jukebox", they appeared in a dedicated issue of 'TheirMag', which is a sister publication to Rio Ferdinand's "#5" magazine. March 2012 marked the launch of their inaugural fragrance, Kiss, created in partnership with perfumer Azzi Glasser. Their follow-up scent, Love, debuted in February 2013 and is composed of jasmine, white tea, pink orchid, and orange blossom notes.

Philanthropy

Established in 2010, "The JLS Foundation" supports six key charities: Cancer Research UK, Rays of Sunshine, Brook, Childline, Beat Bullying, and the MS Society. Although the band has since disbanded, the foundation continues its work with ongoing dedication from its members.

Since 2010, JLS have consistently participated in every Children in need broadcast. Proceeds from their chart-topping single "Love You More" were donated to Children in Need. Merrygold also appeared in a charity video for the organisation in 2011. In 2012, JLS performed at "Children in Need Rocks Manchester," and they made their final group appearance on Children In Need in 2013.

Their charitable involvement extends to comic relief, where they appeared alongside comedians such as Miranda Hart and James Corden. In 2012, all members travelled to Uganda as part of Sport Relief, releasing the official charity track "Proud", which reached number six on UK charts. They also organized a benefit concert titled "JLS sing for Sport Relief" and took part in the Sport Relief Mile event.

Overall, JLS have contributed to five charity singles: a rendition of Mariah Carey’s "Hero" (performed by X Factor 2008 finalists for Help for Heroes), "Wishing on a Star" (X Factor finalists including JLS and One Direction for Together for Short Lives), "Love You More" (for Children in Need), "Proud" (Sport Relief), and "Everybody Hurts" (to aid Haiti). Four out of these five releases achieved the number one position on the UK singles chart.

Oritsé Williams

Oritsé Jolomi Matthew Soloman Williams (born 27 November 1986) attended St Edwards School in West London, where he earned the nickname Music Boy. He has two brothers and one sister. At the age of 12, his mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which led him to take on responsibilities caring for his siblings while continuing his education. Williams also studied at the British International School in Lagos, Nigeria, where he formed a friendship with singer L Marshall and secured his first talent show victory performing alongside him. His education includes time at Larmenier Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School. Early in his career, he aimed to become a solo performer but valued strong group dynamics, leading him to establish the boy band UFO, which was later renamed JLS. He penned the track "Wow Oh Wow" for Jedward.

On 28 September 2013, Williams emerged as the winner of ITV's Stepping Out. In June 2015, he released his debut single "Waterline," featuring Pusha T.

Marvin Humes

Marvin Richard James Humes (born 18 March 1985 in Greenwich, England) is the eldest member of the group. Before joining UFO, he was part of the band VS, which was formed by Blue member Simon Webbe. Humes met Aston Merrygold prior to joining UFO. His acting credits include a role on Holby City between 2000 and 2003 and starring in the children's program K-Club at age 14, which focused on technology education. Since July 2012, Humes has been married to Rochelle Wiseman; together they have two daughters. His television hosting roles include presenting The Voice UK from 2014 to 2016, co-hosting The Official Big Top 40 from 2014 until 2018, and currently hosting BBC One's The Hit List alongside his wife.

JB Gill

Jonathan Benjamin "JB" Gill (born 7 December 1986) spent his early childhood in Antigua until age five and demonstrated musical ability from a young age. After completing university exams, he auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 where he connected with other future JLS members. Raised primarily in Croydon, Gill mastered multiple instruments and participated in a choir before dedicating himself to rugby with the London Irish club until turning 18. Ultimately choosing music over sports, he pursued vocal training prior to university studies in theology at King's College London, though he left to focus fully on his music career.

In December 2012, Gill won the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. He owns a farm located in Scotland and has taken time away from music to concentrate on farming activities. In 2014, he became the first JLS member to release solo work with his debut single "Best Night of My Life," produced alongside DJ Charlie Hedges. Gill married backing dancer Chloe Tangney in May 2014; they have two children together. He currently hosts 'Down on the Farm' on CBeebies.

Aston Merrygold

Aston Iain Merrygold (born 13 February 1988 in Peterborough, England) is of Jamaican and Anglo-Irish descent and one of seven siblings. Growing up in Peterborough, he attended Jack Hunt School. In 2002, Merrygold appeared as Michael Jackson on Stars in Their Eyes, finishing as runner-up. He rose to fame with JLS after competing on The X Factor at age 20. Following school, he acted as "Cookie" on ITV's Fun Song Factory. Originally aiming for a professional football career, a nerve injury redirected him toward singing and acting, where he later connected with Marvin Humes and joined JLS.

Merrygold worked on a solo album titled Showstopper, which was slated for release in mid-2016 but remains unreleased. The lead single "Get Stupid" was made available on 24 July 2015. In August 2017, he participated in the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing tenth overall. He reunited with dance partner Janette Manrara for Strictly's Christmas Special in December 2018, winning with a perfect score. Merrygold is engaged to dancer Sarah Lou Richards; their son Grayson Jax Merrygold was born in January 2018.

Awards and nominations

Year	Event	Category	Work nominated	Outcome
2007	Urban Music Awards	Best Unsigned Artist		Template:Won
2009	2009 BRIT Awards	Best British Single	"Hero" (featuring The X Factor finalists)	Template:Nom
	MOBO Awards	Best UK Newcomer		Template:Won
		Best Song	"Beat Again"	Template:Won
	BBC Switch Live Awards	Outstanding Artist of Switch		Template:Won
		Prom King	Aston Merrygold	Template:Nom
	Virgin Media Music Awards	Best Group		Template:Nom
		Best Newcomer		Template:Nom
		Best Track	"Beat Again"	Template:Nom
		Hottest Male	Aston Merrygold	Template:Nom
2010	2010 BRIT Awards	British Group of the Year		Template:Nom
		British Breakthrough Act		Template:Won
		British Single of the Year	"Beat Again"	Template:Won
	Shockwave NME Awards	Worst Band		Template:Nom
	BT Digital Music Awards	Best Group		Template:Won
		Best Video	"Everybody in Love"	Template:Won
	MOBO Awards	Best UK Act		Template:Won
		Best Album		Template:Won
	Urban Music Awards	Best R&B Act		Template:Won
		Best Group		Template:Won
2011	BT Digital Music Awards	Best Group		Template:Won
		Best Video	"Eyes Wide Shut"	Template:Won
		Best Fansite	"Eyes Wide Shut"	Template:Nom

|- |2012 ||MOBO Awards ||Best Video ||"Do You Feel What I Feel?" || |- |2013 || Virgin Media Awards || Best Group || || |}

Tours

Headlining tours

• JLS: The Theatre Tour
• Outta This World Tour
• 4th Dimensions Tour
• Goodbye: The Greatest Hits Tour
• Beat Again Tour (2021)
• Everybody Say JLS: The Hits Tour
• The Club is Alive: The 2025 Hits Tour

Co-headlining tours

• X Factor Live 2009
• US Summer Tour
• Summer UK Tour

Discography

• JLS (2009)
• Outta This World (2010)
• Jukebox (2011)
• Evolution (2012)
• 2.0 (2021)

External links

• Twitter profile of JB
• Twitter profile of Oritse
• Twitter profile of Aston
• Twitter profile of Marvin