JLS Tickets

Runners-up to Alexandra Burke in the fifth series of The X Factor in 20008, JLS (Jack the Lad Swing) were already pretty experienced in the music business before auditioning for the life-changing talent show. Back in 2006, Ortise Williams was looking to form a boy band, insisting the members he chose had real connection. He was introduced to Marvin Humes (ex-VS), and Aston Merrygold, with JB Gill the last to join, and they began performing and recording under the moniker UFO, releasing several demos and two singles in conjunction with producers, Tracklacers and DJ Triz.

The group changed their name to JLS when they auditioned for The X Factor, after discovering UFO was already in use, and they got through to the live shows, with Louis Walsh as their mentor, going all the way to the final and losing to Burke but, despite Simon Cowell initially expressing interest in signing them, he declined the opportunity and JLS signed with Epic instead, in January 2009. Their debut single was “Beat Again”, in July the same year, and it shot to No.1 in the UK. Their self-titled first album came out in November and it, too, went to No.1, as did the second single, “Everybody In Love”. This was followed by a 25-date headline tour of the UK and Ireland, with every concert selling out.

In January 2010, JLS became the first X Factor act to win a BRIT Award, for “Best British Single”, and also for “British Breakthrough”. Their second album, Outta This World, was recorded in 2010, with the lead single, “The Club is Alive” released in July, and becoming their third UK No.1 hit. “Love You More” came out in November, to support the Children In Need charity, and was followed by the album's own release, but it only made No.2 in the UK charts, held off the top spot by Take That's Progress. The album's third single,“Eyes Wide Shut”, with Tinie Tempah, was released later that year.

In early 2011, JLS began work on their third album, Jukebox and the lead single, “She Makes Me Wanna” was released in July, and gave them yet another No.1 hit in the UK. The album came out in November 2011 and the band announced a UK stadium tour for 2012.

JLS have also been active in a number of other projects, including their own TV specials, and in June 2011 they released a 3D film of their earlier London O2 Arena concerts, JLS: Eyes Wide Open 3D, which made them the first British group to release a 3D film. The group have also begun marketing their own range of condoms, published two bestselling books, launched their own magazine and clothing ranges, and become patrons for charities including Childline and Beatbullying.