JLS

Formed in London in 2007, the British boy band JLS—short for Jack the Lad Swing—features the vocal talents of Oritsé Williams, Aston Merrygold, Jonathan Gill, and Marvin Humes. They first gained widespread attention by finishing as runners-up to Alexandra Burke during the fifth season of The X Factor in 2008. After that appearance, the group signed with Epic Records and issued the single “Beat Again” in 2009, followed later the same year by their self-titled debut album.

Having collected a handful of Brit Awards, JLS put out a six-song self-titled EP in 2010 along with their sophomore album, Outta This World. The following year brought Jukebox, highlighted by the single “She Makes Me Wanna,” plus the 3-D concert film and accompanying live album Eyes Wide Open. Their fourth studio release, Evolution, arrived in 2012; produced in part by Mr. Bangladesh (Usher, Beyoncé, T-Pain) and Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber), the record fused pop and R&B while evoking the new jack swing sound of the 1990s.

In April 2013 the members announced their breakup. Marvin Humes explained that after five years they did not wish to “outstay their welcome,” while Aston Merrygold added, “it’s just that time. We are still the best of friends and always will be -- but this is the end.” JLS concluded their run with a farewell arena tour and the greatest-hits collection Goodbye: The Greatest Hits. Almost a decade later, in 2021, the band returned with the album 2.0 and the Beat Again reunion tour.