Jesy Nelson first captured the world’s attention as one-fourth of the global phenomenon that was Little Mix. Her powerful vocals and distinctive style made her a standout member of the girl group that dominated the charts for a decade. However, in December 2020, Jesy embarked on a new chapter, announcing her departure from Little Mix to focus on her solo career and her mental well-being. This decision has since led to a solo musical journey marked by both anticipation and controversy, alongside ongoing public interest in her personal life and identity. This article delves into Jesy Nelson’s post-Little Mix career, addressing the questions and discussions surrounding her solo music, her evolving image, and her experiences in the public eye.
The Departure and the Dawn of a Solo Career
Jesy Nelson’s announcement of her departure from Little Mix in December 2020 sent shockwaves through the group’s massive fanbase. In her statement, she cited the toll that being in the band had taken on her mental health and her desire to prioritize her well-being. This honest and vulnerable announcement resonated with many and sparked conversations about the pressures faced by those in the public eye.
Following her departure, anticipation grew regarding Jesy’s next steps. In 2021, she signed a solo record deal with Polydor Records, signaling the beginning of her independent musical journey. This move was met with excitement from fans eager to see her artistic vision unfold on her own terms.
“Boyz” and the Solo Debut: Setting a New Tone
In October 2021, Jesy Nelson released her debut solo single, “Boyz,” featuring Nicki Minaj. The song marked a distinct shift in musical style from her work with Little Mix, embracing a more urban and R&B-influenced sound. The music video for “Boyz” also generated considerable discussion and controversy due to its aesthetic and Jesy’s appearance.
The release of “Boyz” was highly anticipated and garnered significant media attention. It provided fans with a first taste of Jesy’s solo artistry and hinted at the direction she might be taking her music.
The “Blackfishing” Controversy and Its Aftermath
The release of “Boyz” was overshadowed by significant controversy surrounding accusations of “blackfishing.” Blackfishing refers to the practice of non-Black individuals altering their appearance (e.g., through tanning, hairstyles, makeup) to appear Black or racially ambiguous, often appropriating Black culture.
Jesy Nelson’s appearance in the “Boyz” music video, along with some of her social media posts at the time, led to widespread accusations of blackfishing. This sparked intense online debate, with many criticizing her for seemingly adopting aspects of Black culture without acknowledging or respecting its origins. The controversy was further fueled by comments made during an Instagram Live session with Nicki Minaj.
The backlash had a significant impact on Jesy’s public image and overshadowed the launch of her solo career. It also ignited broader conversations about cultural appropriation, representation, and the responsibilities of public figures.
Subsequent Music and Evolving Sound
Following the controversy surrounding “Boyz,” Jesy Nelson continued to work on her solo music. However, her subsequent releases have been less frequent, and her musical direction has seemed to evolve.
In April 2023, she released the single “Bad Thing.” This track showcased a different side of Jesy’s artistry, leaning towards a more vulnerable and introspective pop sound. The accompanying music video was also praised for its raw and emotional portrayal of a difficult relationship.
The shift in sound and visual aesthetic in “Bad Thing” suggested a potential recalibration of Jesy’s artistic identity as a solo artist.
Public Image and Social Media Presence
Jesy Nelson’s public image and her activity on social media continue to be subjects of interest. Following the controversies, her online presence has appeared to shift, with a greater emphasis on her music and personal life updates.
What people were asking:
How active is Jesy Nelson on social media? Jesy maintains an active presence on platforms like Instagram, where she shares updates about her music, personal life, and promotional activities. The frequency of her posts can vary.
Has her social media content changed since the controversies? There appears to be a shift in her social media content, with a potential move towards a more authentic and less overtly stylized image compared to the period surrounding the “Boyz” release.
How does Jesy Nelson interact with her fans online? She occasionally interacts with fans through comments, live sessions, and by sharing fan art or messages on her social media platforms.
Has she addressed the blackfishing controversy further? While Jesy has addressed the controversy in past interviews, it is not a frequent topic of discussion in her more recent public appearances or social media posts.
Mental Health Advocacy and Personal Growth
Jesy Nelson has been open about her struggles with mental health, particularly the impact of online bullying and the pressures of fame during her time in Little Mix. Her vulnerability on this topic has resonated with many of her fans and has positioned her as an advocate for mental well-being.
Future Musical Direction and Projects
The trajectory of Jesy Nelson’s solo career remains a subject of speculation and anticipation. With two distinct singles released, fans are eager to see the cohesive sound and themes that will define her debut album, whenever it may arrive.
What people were asking (regarding YouTube):
What kind of content is on Jesy Nelson’s YouTube channel? Her official YouTube channel primarily features her music videos for “Boyz” and “Bad Thing.” It may also include lyric videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and official audio releases of her songs.
How active is Jesy Nelson on YouTube beyond music videos? Her activity on YouTube beyond her official music video releases appears to be less frequent compared to her Instagram presence. She mainly uses the platform to host her official music content.
Does she use YouTube to address fans directly or share personal updates? Her direct communication with fans and personal updates are more commonly found on her Instagram and potentially other social media platforms rather than dedicated YouTube videos.
Are there any interview clips or live performances on her YouTube channel? Her YouTube channel may contain official uploads of interview segments related to her music releases or official live performances if she has released them. Fans looking for more casual vlogs or personal updates would typically look to other platforms.
FAQs
Who is Jesy Nelson?
Jesy Nelson is an English singer who gained prominence as a member of Little Mix, the first group to win the UK version of The X Factor in 2011. With Little Mix, she achieved significant success, including five UK number-one singles and six studio albums. She left the group in December 2020 to focus on her mental health and has since pursued a solo music career.
Why did Jesy Nelson leave Little Mix?
Jesy Nelson departed from Little Mix due to mental health challenges exacerbated by the pressures of fame and constant online scrutiny. She revealed that the relentless comparisons and cyberbullying led her to a breaking point, prompting her decision to leave the group for her well-being.
What has Jesy Nelson done since leaving Little Mix?
After leaving Little Mix, Jesy Nelson signed with Polydor Records in 2021 and released her debut solo single, “Boyz,” featuring Nicki Minaj. The song received mixed reviews and sparked controversy over accusations of cultural appropriation. She later parted ways with Polydor and released “Bad Thing” independently in 2023, a song addressing themes of domestic abuse, which was praised for its message and collaboration with the charity Women’s Aid. In 2024, she released “Mine,” a collaboration with her partner Zion Foster.
What is the controversy surrounding Jesy Nelson’s solo debut?
Jesy Nelson faced backlash for her debut solo single “Boyz,” with critics accusing her of “blackfishing,” a term referring to someone adopting Black culture and aesthetics without acknowledging the associated struggles. The music video featured imagery and styling that led to discussions about cultural appropriation. Nelson denied any intentional offense, stating her appreciation for Black culture.
Is Jesy Nelson pregnant?
Yes, Jesy Nelson announced in January 2025 that she is expecting identical twins with her partner, musician Zion Foster. The couple shared the news on Instagram, expressing their excitement about the upcoming addition to their family.
Has Jesy Nelson experienced complications during her pregnancy?
Jesy Nelson disclosed that she is carrying monochorionic-diamniotic (MCDA) twins, a condition where twins share a placenta but have separate amniotic sacs, increasing the risk of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). She underwent emergency surgery in March 2025 to address complications arising from this condition. Nelson has since updated fans that the procedure was successful and both babies are doing well.
Who is Zion Foster?
Zion Foster is a British R&B singer and songwriter known for his soulful music. He began dating Jesy Nelson in 2022, and despite some publicized breakups and reconciliations, the couple is currently together and expecting twins. They collaborated on the 2024 single “Mine”.
What is Jesy Nelson’s documentary “Odd One Out” about?
“Odd One Out” is a 2019 BBC Three documentary in which Jesy Nelson discusses her experiences with online bullying, body image issues, and mental health struggles during her time with Little Mix. The documentary received critical acclaim and won the Factual Entertainment Award at the 25th National Television Awards.
What are Jesy Nelson’s musical influences?
Jesy Nelson’s music is influenced by a mix of pop, R&B, and hip-hop. She has cited artists like Missy Elliott, TLC, and Christina Aguilera as inspirations. Her solo work reflects a blend of these genres, aiming to showcase her personal style and experiences.
Has Jesy Nelson released a solo album?
As of April 2025, Jesy Nelson has not released a full solo album. She has released singles including “Boyz,” “Bad Thing,” and “Mine”. There have been reports of her working on a debut album, but no official release date has been announced.
What is Jesy Nelson’s current relationship with her former Little Mix bandmates?
Jesy Nelson has stated that she no longer maintains close contact with her former bandmates Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall. While there have been public statements of support following her departure, subsequent interviews suggest that the relationships have become distant.
How has Jesy Nelson addressed mental health issues?
Jesy Nelson has been open about her mental health struggles, including experiences with depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the impact of online bullying and the importance of mental health care, particularly in the entertainment industry.
What are Jesy Nelson’s plans for the future?
Jesy Nelson is currently focusing on her pregnancy and preparing for motherhood. She has expressed a desire to continue her music career and has hinted at future projects, though specific details have not been disclosed. Her fans eagerly await new music and updates on her personal journey.
To conclude
Jesy Nelson’s journey from a member of Little Mix to a solo artist has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Her openness about mental health, body image, and personal struggles has resonated with many, shedding light on the pressures faced by public figures. As she embarks on the next chapter of her life with the upcoming birth of her twins, Nelson continues to inspire with her resilience and authenticity. Her story underscores the importance of self-care, the impact of online behavior, and the strength found in vulnerability.
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