JLS reveal secret friendship with global pop superstar as they hint at new music plans

The Sun

16-06-2025

WITH JLS's UK arena tour kicking off on November 6, there was no better warm-up than in front of 80,000 people at Capital's Summertime Ball.
Aston Merrygold, Oritse Williams, Marvin Humes and JB Gill were the Barclaycard Out Of The Blue surprise act at Wembley Stadium, with fans sprinting back to their seats to watch the set which included hits such as Beat Again and She Makes Me Wanna.
8
8
'It blasted off the cobwebs,' JB told me backstage as I joined the lads afterwards.
Marvin added: 'People have always known that we bring high-energy shows. We don't want that to slow down. When people buy a ticket to our JLS tour, they know they're going to get 150 per cent from the four of us.
'The energy was incredible, and that will be the same and more when we're on tour in November.'
They begin their 16-date The Club Is Alive: 2025 Hits Tour in Glasgow in less than five months.
During the trek, JLS will become part of the 21 club at London's O2 Arena on November 28 and 29.
It means they will join acts including Prince, Kylie Minogue and Drake who have notched up 21 performances at the venue.
'For me it's a blessing,' Oritse said. 'My birthday is the day before so this is the best gift ever.'
JB added: 'It's beyond my wildest dreams. We never thought we would be in this position.
'We don't even know how it happened. We did the X Factor tour and now we're here.'
For the series of gigs, the band are handing over control to their fans, with special guest Example performing before them every night.
Watch shock moment Aston from JLS offers to suck man's TOES
Oritse said: 'There are loads of unheard songs but there is music from our albums which we haven't performed.'
Marvin continued: 'We always say, 'Never say never to new music,' but at the minute, we're focused on the tour.
'We are asking the fans to tell us what they want us to perform on tour. They will choose the set list.'
As I said goodbye on Sunday, I jokingly asked the lads where they got ready for the Summertime Ball, after Mariah Carey took up nearly every backstage room.
And it seems she is a JLS fan, with JB telling me: 'We've worked with Mariah before.
'She's like, 'The JLS boys, they're all right'.
'It was us and Will Smith. and We got dressing rooms next door to her.'
8
Saturdays night fever
THE stars were out in force at Wembley, with Frankie Bridge, Billie Piper and Sarah Hadland spotted enjoying the hospitality inside Barclaycard's Summertime Suite.
But while Billie and her kids made the most of the buckets of free popcorn and pick 'n' mix, Saturdays singer Frankie was up on her feet dancing with pals.
8
And when JLS came on stage, Frankie was the first in the VIP area to get up to show support for Marvin Humes, who is married to her old bandmate Rochelle.
An onlooker told me: 'Frankie danced non-stop during JLS' set and had her own little dance routine for Beat Again.'
In Global's VIP area, ex-footballer Peter Crouch, joined by wife Abbey Clancy, gave Frankie a run for her money with his moves.
'Crouchy was doing more than the robot,' one of my pals told me.
'He was really giving it some welly.'
I expect Pete to bring the same moves to Worthy Farm next week when we all head down to Glastonbury.
That man loves to party.
Rita is balling
THE warm weather at the Summertime Ball was made for Rita Ora – who sang her new single Heat live in the UK for the first time.
She joked backstage: 'Heat is very convenient because it's boiling hot out there. I've seen sweaty people and that's exactly what I want to see.'
8
Rita was joined on the line-up by Will Smith.
After her performance, she said that he had become a mentor in her acting career.
She added: 'I think me and Will are on a spiritual journey because we are everywhere at the same time.
'I'm actually just so inspired by him in the sense of filmmaking and movies. That's a big part of my growth.
'I ask him a lot of questions about that.'
Bootlegs need new Macca
IF you're a big fan of The Beatles and look and sound like Sir Paul McCartney, I might just have the job for you.
The Bootleg Beatles the UK's No1 tribute band to the Fab Four, have announced they are looking for a new frontman.
8
In an ad posted online, the group revealed they need a new Macca, adding: 'Must have the look, the voice, the bass guitar skills and availability for full-time touring.'
It's a race against time for the group to find their new main man too, as the Bootleg Beatles are heading to Glastonbury the weekend after next.
They will play the Acoustic Stage on Sunday from 8pm for an hour – and will be using a stand-in if they are unable to find their Paul.
I've no doubt they'll be looking Here, There And Everywhere for the replacement.
Don't Let Me Down, lads.
Bieber: I know I am broken
JUSTIN Bieber has hit out at those who say he needs to 'heal' after a series of strange online posts.
And he insists he has been trying to get his life together for years.
8
In an emotional post on Instagram yesterday, Justin said: 'People keep telling me to heal. Don't you think if I could have fixed myself I would have already?
'I know I'm broken. I know I have anger issues.
'I tried to do the work my whole life to be like the people who told me I needed to be fixed like them. And it just keeps making me more tired and more angry.
'The harder I try to grow, the more focused on myself I am.
'Jesus is the only person who keeps me wanting to make my life about others because honestly, I'm exhausted with thinking about myself lately, aren't you?'