X Factor winner James Arthur splits up with long-term girlfriend Jessica Grist
JAMES ARTHUR’s heartfelt ballads have made him millions — so hopefully he can see the silver lining after splitting from his long-term girlfriend.
I can reveal he has sadly parted ways with Jessica Grist, who he first started dating in 2012 when she worked as a backing dancer on the series of The X Factor James won.
James Arthur has sadly parted ways with Jessica Grist who he first started dating in 2012[/caption] A source said: ‘There was no big drama and they are still friends, but it is nevertheless a blow for both of them because they have been together for such a long time’[/caption]The couple were together until 2015 before splitting and reconciling in 2017.
But I am told that this time they have decided to break up for good after growing apart in lockdown — which is sure to provide plenty of inspiration for future songs.
A source said: “James and Jessica have a lot of history, so they will always have a special place in each other’s hearts.
“But the truth is they have just grown apart and decided it wasn’t working any more.
“There was no big drama and they are still friends, but it is nevertheless a blow for both of them because they have been together for such a long time.
“It just feels like the relationship has run its course now and James is focusing on his music, because he has a big year ahead of him.
“He recently signed a new record deal and has a new album and tour just around the corner, so he is throwing himself into his work.”
It is a sad turn of events for the pair, who appeared to be madly in love just months ago.
On New Year’s Eve, Jessica wrote about James on Instagram: “You are my rock, my best friend, my unconditional.
“Thank you for holding my hand through everything. For treating me like a queen and for being nothing but authentically you.”
And in March, James told The Sun she had inspired much of his as-yet untitled upcoming album, which will be featuring recent single Medicine.
James explained: “She knows she’s the muse in a lot of these songs.
“She’s so supportive and she’s probably sick of hearing my music, to be fair, because all she’s heard all year is me blasting songs out.”
There’s still time to sneak a few more emotional numbers on to the next record, James.
Ava turns it up to the max
IT was another big night for The Weeknd as he cleaned up at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles.
The Blinding Lights singer won three awards including Male Artist Of The Year at the event on Thursday.
Ava Max wowed crowds on the red carpet as she rocked a red and silver look[/caption] Legend Sir Elton John received the Icon Award[/caption] Lil Nas X presented the British musical maestro with the award[/caption]He was joined on stage by Ariana Grande – her first performance since getting married – for a rendition of their duet Save Your Tears.
British stars were also honoured, with Dua Lipa winning Female Artist Of The Year and Sir Elton John receiving the Icon Award from Lil Nas X and Chris Martin.
The Coldplay frontman made a rude joke at the Your Song singer’s expense, which was too naughty to print in a family newspaper.
Golden girl Megan Thee Stallion made an appearance on the red carpet[/caption] Weeknd and Ariana Grande performed a duet together[/caption]Also making an appearance at the event were Megan Thee Stallion and couple Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly.
And Ava Max’s red and silver get-up was among red carpet outfits wowing crowds.
Leon’s brought out the Blue in Jonas
JONAS Blue’s song about a relationship that seemed to be perfect but drifted apart hit home for him.
The DJ, who recently dated German model Melinda London, has collaborated with Swede Leon for summer anthem Hear Me Say, out now.
Jonas Blue has collaborated with Swede Leon for summer anthem Hear Me Say[/caption]In an exclusive chat, he said: “I’ve never worked on a record that’s so relatable before.
“I messaged Leon saying, ‘I’m a huge fan, maybe it would be good to work together’.
“She said she’d love to. As soon as I heard Here Me Say, I said, ‘We have to do this’.”
Tribute to dad
TOM ROSENTHAL has dropped an emotional new record called Now You Know paying tribute to his late father.
Lady Gaga has a reimagined version of album Born This Way to mark its tenth anniversary.
And Kasabian will go on tour, starting in October, for the first time since Tom Meighan left the band.