Jesy Nelson is a British singer, former member of the globally successful girl group Little Mix, and a rising solo artist with a net worth of $8 million. Known for her powerhouse vocals and outspoken personality, Jesy has earned her place in the entertainment industry, both as a member of Little Mix and through her solo career. Her journey from reality TV contestant to pop superstar is a testament to her talent and resilience. In this article, we’ll explore her early life, career milestones, personal struggles, and more.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on June 14, 1991, in Romford, East London, Jesy Louise Nelson grew up in a supportive yet challenging environment. She is the daughter of Janis Nelson, a police community support officer, and John Nelson, a businessman. Jesy’s parents separated when she was only five years old. She has two older siblings, Jade and Jonathan, as well as a younger brother, Joseph.
Nelson attended several schools, including the Jo Richardson Community School and the Yvonne Rhodes Theatre School. Her passion for the arts blossomed early on, and before her music career took off, she worked as a barmaid in Dagenham. Despite this humble beginning, Jesy’s career path was destined for greatness. She even appeared as an extra in the 2002 film About a Boy and in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), showcasing her early interest in entertainment.
Jesy Nelson’s Breakthrough with Little Mix
Jesy’s big break came when she auditioned for the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011. Initially competing as a solo artist, she was eliminated after the bootcamp round. However, she was soon invited back to form a girl group with three other contestants—Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall. The group, originally called Rhythmix, was renamed Little Mix, and they went on to make history as the first group to win the UK version of The X Factor.
Little Mix’s rise to fame was meteoric. They signed a record deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco Music and quickly became one of the UK’s most successful pop acts. Their debut album, DNA (2012), was a commercial success, with hits like “Wings” and “DNA” propelling them to stardom. Subsequent albums, including Salute (2013), Get Weird (2015), Glory Days (2016), LM5 (2018), and Confetti (2020), were all certified Platinum or higher in the UK, further solidifying their position in pop music history.
Throughout their career, Little Mix enjoyed major hits like “Black Magic,” “Shout Out to My Ex,” and “Sweet Melody.” They also became known for their empowering messages and bold, inclusive attitudes. Jesy was an integral part of the group’s success, contributing to their chart-topping singles and their millions of records sold worldwide.
Jesy Nelson’s Solo Career and Personal Struggles
In 2020, Jesy made the difficult decision to leave Little Mix, citing mental health concerns as the primary reason for her departure. The pressures of fame and the toxic impact of online trolling had taken a toll on her well-being. In her BBC Three documentary Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out, she opened up about the severe bullying she had faced, including the intense online abuse that led to mental health struggles and a suicide attempt in 2013. The documentary, which was released in 2019, won several awards for its powerful portrayal of the challenges she faced.
After leaving Little Mix, Jesy launched her solo career, signing with Polydor Records in 2021. Her debut single, “Boyz,” featuring Nicki Minaj, quickly made waves, reaching No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart. This marked a new chapter in her career, as she explored her sound and artistry outside the constraints of a girl group. While Jesy parted ways with Polydor Records in 2022, she continued her solo journey, releasing the singles “Bad Thing” in 2023 and “Mine” in 2024, featuring Zion Foster.
Despite her success as a solo artist, Jesy’s mental health journey remains a central aspect of her story. In addition to her struggles with body image and eating disorders, she has been open about her battles with anxiety and panic attacks, which she candidly shared in interviews.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jesy’s romantic life has often been in the spotlight. She was in a relationship with Jordan Banjo, a dancer from the group Diversity, in 2012. Following their breakup, Jesy was engaged to Jake Roche, lead singer of the band Rixton, but the couple split in 2016. She later dated Chris Clark and had a 16-month relationship with musician Harry James. In 2019, Jesy began dating Chris Hughes, a Love Island star, though they separated in 2020. As of 2022, Jesy has been in a relationship with rapper Zion Foster.
Her personal struggles, especially with her body image, have also been public. Jesy has spoken about the impact of constant comparisons to others in the entertainment industry, which led to feelings of inadequacy. However, she has shown resilience, using her experiences to empower herself and others.
Jesy Nelson’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Jesy Nelson’s estimated net worth stands at $8 million. This wealth comes from her successful career in music, both as a member of Little Mix and as a solo artist. Little Mix’s success, along with Jesy’s ventures as a solo artist and her documentary work, have significantly contributed to her financial standing. The awards and accolades she has received over the years reflect her impact on the music industry and her ability to inspire others.
Conclusion
Jesy Nelson’s career has been marked by both triumph and adversity. From her early days in Little Mix to her solo endeavors, Jesy has proven to be a force in the music world. Despite the challenges she has faced in her personal life, particularly with her mental health and body image struggles, she continues to inspire fans around the world. As she moves forward in her career, there is no doubt that Jesy will remain a key figure in the music industry, with a legacy that extends beyond her time in Little Mix.