At 33 years old, Jesy Nelson has experienced the highest highs and some of the lowest lows of fame. As of 2025, the English singer and former Little Mix member holds a net worth of $8 million, earned through a blend of chart-topping albums, solo singles, television projects, and directing work. Though her career began in a girl group, Jesy has carved her own path as a solo artist and mental health advocate.
Early Life and Background
Jessica Louise Nelson was born on June 14, 1991, in Romford, East London. She grew up in a working-class family with her parents Janis Nelson, a police community support officer, and John Nelson, a businessman. Her parents divorced when she was just five years old. Jesy has three siblings: Jade, Jonathan, and Joseph.
Her early education included time at the Jo Richardson Community School, Abbs Cross Academy, and Sylvia Young Theatre School, which has produced several British entertainment figures. Before her rise to fame, Jesy worked as a barmaid in Dagenham and also had small roles as an extra in the films About a Boy (2002) and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005).
The X Factor and Little Mix Era
Jesy’s breakthrough came in 2011, when she auditioned for The X Factor UK. Though she didn’t advance as a solo contestant, the judges grouped her with Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall to form Rhythmix, later renamed Little Mix. The group went on to become the first band to win The X Factor in the UK.
Signed to Syco Music, Little Mix quickly rose to fame. Jesy was part of six major studio albums:
- DNA (2012)
- Salute (2013)
- Get Weird (2015)
- Glory Days (2016)
- LM5 (2018)
- Confetti (2020)
The group delivered UK chart-topping singles like Cannonball, Wings, Black Magic, Shout Out to My Ex, and Sweet Melody. Jesy contributed not only as a vocalist but also creatively, co-directing the Strip music video in 2018.
Little Mix became a global phenomenon, setting multiple Guinness World Records and earning BRIT Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. The group’s impact on pop culture and female empowerment was undeniable.
Jesy’s Departure and Mental Health Struggles
Despite Little Mix’s success, Jesy’s experience behind the scenes was turbulent. She dealt with cyberbullying, body shaming, and the pressures of fame. In her 2019 BBC Three documentary, Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out, she revealed how online abuse deeply impacted her mental health. The documentary won several awards, including a National Television Award and Visionary Honours Award.
In November 2020, it was announced that Jesy would take an extended break from the group for private medical reasons. A month later, she officially left Little Mix, citing the toll on her mental health as the main reason. Jesy later admitted she had a panic attack during the filming of the Sweet Melody video and was hospitalized soon after. She said her mother and group members encouraged her decision to leave so she could prioritize her wellbeing.
Solo Career and Independent Path
In 2021, Jesy launched her solo music career, signing with Polydor Records. Her debut single, Boyz featuring Nicki Minaj, reached #4 on the UK Singles Chart and was met with both fan enthusiasm and media scrutiny. Jesy also directed the music video herself.
However, her relationship with the label was short-lived. By July 2022, Jesy and Polydor parted ways, with sources citing “creative differences.” Not one to slow down, she returned in April 2023 with an independent release titled Bad Thing. In August 2024, she followed up with Mine, a duet with Zion Foster, her boyfriend since 2022.
While she hasn’t released a solo album yet, Jesy continues to build her brand as an independent artist and creative director, taking full control over her image and music.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jesy’s personal life has also drawn public attention. She previously dated Jordan Banjo (2012–2013), Jake Roche (2014–2016)—to whom she was briefly engaged—and later had relationships with Chris Clark, Harry James, and Chris Hughes from Love Island. Since 2022, she has been romantically linked to rapper Zion Foster.
Jesy has always been candid about her struggles, including dealing with alopecia as a teen, body image issues, and suicidal thoughts due to online abuse. Her resilience and transparency have earned her public respect and several awards for being an inspirational figure, including Inspirational Influencer of the Year at the PLT Awards in 2020.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Jesy Nelson’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $8 million. This includes her earnings from album sales, music tours, television appearances, and brand deals. Her time with Little Mix generated substantial wealth, as the group consistently topped charts and sold out arenas. Post-Little Mix, her solo singles, directing work, and independent ventures continue to contribute to her income.
While her financial standing isn’t on the same scale as her former band as a whole, Jesy is steadily rebuilding her career on her own terms, without the weight of external expectations.
