In a heartfelt and revealing interview, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ella Mai shared the story of how she first crossed paths with Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum — and how her impression of him has evolved since.
“When I first met Jayson Tatum, I’ll be honest—I didn’t think too much of it,” Mai admitted with a laugh. Known for her soulful voice and chart-topping hits, the British-born artist revealed that their initial encounter was far from the glamorous spark many might imagine.
“It wasn’t like some movie moment,” she explained. “He was cool, polite, but I wasn’t really thinking, ‘Oh wow, this is the guy.’ It was just casual.”
Over time, however, Ella Mai began to see a different side of Tatum — not just as a rising NBA superstar, but as a person. She praised his work ethic, humility, and the way he balances fame with fatherhood, noting that his role as a dad to son Deuce stands out most.
“Jayson has this calm energy about him,” she said. “You’d expect someone at his level in the NBA to always be in that ‘spotlight mode,’ but he’s actually really grounded. That’s something I admire.”
The pairing of Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum has often caught the attention of fans, both in sports and entertainment circles. Social media has buzzed with speculation about their relationship, and while both remain private, this candid reflection gave the public a rare glimpse into their connection.
For Ella Mai, it’s about authenticity more than anything. “I value people who are real, who don’t feel the need to put on a show all the time. That’s what I appreciate about him.”
As Tatum continues to cement his place among the NBA’s elite and Ella Mai continues to thrive in the music industry, their story adds another layer of intrigue to the intersection of sports and culture.
