Jedward facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jedward
John and Edward in Australia in 2013
Background information
Also known as	John & Edward
Born	(1991-10-16) 16 October 1991 (age 33) Dublin, Ireland
Genres	Pop
Years active	2009–present
Labels	Sony Universal PlanetJedward
Members	John Grimes Edward Grimes

John and Edward Grimes (born 16 October 1991) are identical twin brothers from Ireland. They are famous as a singing and TV presenting team called Jedward. They first became known as "John & Edward" on The X Factor in 2009.

Jedward have released four studio albums. Their first two albums, Planet Jedward (2010) and Victory (2011), sold very well in Ireland. They are also known for their songs "Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)", "Bad Behaviour", and "Lipstick". They sang "Lipstick" when they represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 in Düsseldorf. They also represented Ireland again in 2012 with their song "Waterline".

On TV, Jedward have starred in their own documentary series Jedward: Let Loose (2010). They also hosted children's shows like OMG! Jedward's Dream Factory (2011–2013) and Jedward's Big Adventure (2012–2014). They appeared on the reality show Celebrity Big Brother twice, finishing as runners-up in 2017.

Early life and family

John Paul Henry Daniel Richard Grimes and Edward Peter Anthony Kevin Patrick Grimes are identical twin brothers. They were born in Dublin, Ireland. The twins went to Scoil Bhríde National School in Rathangan. Later, they attended King's Hospital School and the Dublin Institute of Education.

When they were in school, John and Edward often took part in talent shows. They were inspired by famous singers like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and the Backstreet Boys. They also enjoyed sports, joining athletic clubs and competing in Irish tournaments. Before becoming famous, they briefly worked as game testers for Xbox 360. They also support the football clubs Newcastle United and Celtic.

Music career

2009–2012: The X Factor and Planet Jedward

Jedward performing live on the X Factor Tour, in 2010

In 2008, John and Edward formed a music duo. The next year, they tried out for the sixth series of The X Factor in Glasgow. They called themselves John & Edward. Even though judge Simon Cowell said they were "not very good", they made it to the live shows. Their mentor on the show was Louis Walsh. John & Edward became known for their fun, energetic performances. One famous performance was their version of Britney Spears' "Oops!... I Did It Again". After The X Factor, Louis Walsh became their manager.

From February to April 2010, Jedward performed on The X Factor Live tour. Their first song, "Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)", was a mix of two songs. It featured the rapper Vanilla Ice. In March 2010, Jedward signed a three-album deal with Universal Music Ireland. In April 2010, they started their first solo tour, called the Planet Jedward Tour, in Ireland. It was so popular that they added more dates in the UK and Ireland. The Irish Independent newspaper said that "Jedwardmania is right up there with Beatlemania."

Jedward's second single, "All the Small Things", came out in July 2010. It reached number 21 in Ireland. In the same week, they released their first album, Planet Jedward. This album was made up of cover songs. It went straight to number one on the Irish Albums Chart. In August 2010, Jedward appeared in their own TV show, Jedward: Let Loose, on ITV2.

2011–2012: Victory

Jedward performing live on the X Factor Tour, in 2010

On February 12, 2011, Jedward released their song "Lipstick". This song was their entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. It reached number one in Ireland. Jedward did well at Eurovision, finishing in eighth place. After the contest, "Lipstick" was released in Europe and charted in many countries. It was even used in a Hyundai advertisement in Asia. Soon after Eurovision, Jedward performed for 60,000 people in Dublin before a speech by U.S. President Barack Obama. In April 2011, Jedward started their second tour, the Bad Behaviour Tour, in Ireland.

Jedward's next song, "Bad Behaviour", was released in July and also reached number one in Ireland. Two weeks later, their second album, Victory, came out. This album had only new songs. In July, Jedward started their third tour, The Carnival Tour, with shows across Ireland and Northern Ireland. In September, they toured Europe for the first time, playing in Sweden and Germany. Three days after their tour ended, Jedward joined Celebrity Big Brother 8. They made it to the final and finished in third place. The song "Wow Oh Wow" was released in August 2011. Its music video featured their Celebrity Big Brother housemate Tara Reid. In December, Jedward starred in a Christmas play called Jedward and the Beanstalk.

2012–2013: Young Love

Jedward performing at Eurovision Song Contest, in 2011

In 2012, Jedward won the chance to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest again. This time, their song was "Waterline". In May, Jedward performed "Waterline" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan. They qualified from their semi-final and finished in 19th place in the final. "Waterline" was also the main song from their third album, Young Love, which came out in June. Other songs from the album, "Young Love" and "Luminous", were also released as singles. Jedward also released a charity song, "Put the Green Cape On", for the UEFA Euro 2012 football tournament.

They started the European part of their Victory Tour in January, playing in Austria, Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. This was followed by the Young Love Tour in Ireland in August. They also visited Singapore, where their new album was very popular. In June, they carried the 2012 Summer Olympics torch relay in Dublin. The twins also starred in their own TV show, Jedward's Weird Wild World, on UK TV channel 5*. In this show, John and Edward humorously presented popular internet videos.

Over Christmas and New Year, their shows OMG! Jedward's Dream Factory and Jedward's Big Adventure were shown on TV. Jedward also starred in their third annual Christmas play, Jedward & the Magic Lamp. In January 2013, the twins visited Toronto, Canada, to promote their music. They filmed a music video for their song "Happens in the Dark" there. Later that month, it was announced that their contract with Universal Music Ireland would not be renewed.

The music video for "Happens in the Dark" was shown in March. In April, the twins filmed a video for "What's Your Number?" in New York City. They also visited Australia to promote their music. In June, Jedward performed at a concert called "A Night for Christy" to help Aslan frontman Christy Dignam. The twins sang Aslan's song "She's So Beautiful" with the band. In July, the twins performed live shows in Cork and Limerick. In November, the twins toured Australia. While there, they released the music video for "Can't Forget You".

2014–present: Voice of a Rebel and other projects

In January 2014, the third series of their CBBC TV show Jedward's Big Adventure was broadcast. It was so popular that it had twice as many episodes. In April 2014, Jedward released their new song "Free Spirit" on Australian radio. They also announced that their fourth album would be released later that year. This album would have songs written and produced by Jedward themselves. Their next song, "Ferocious", was released in November 2014. In November 2014, it was announced that John and Edward would join the cast of ITV's new circus reality show Get Your Act Together in 2015.

Between 2014 and 2018, they released several new songs they wrote themselves. They also directed the music videos for these songs. In February 2017, the twins confirmed they were working on their fourth album. They signed with Universal Music Singapore in April 2019. Their fourth album, Voice of a Rebel, was released on June 20, 2019, in Asia, and on June 27 for the rest of the world.

Helping others

Jedward were among the most active charity ambassadors in Ireland in 2011. They are ambassadors for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC). They have supported the ISPCC's ChildLine service. The money from their Euro 2012 charity song "Put the Green Cape On" also went to the ISPCC. From 2010 to 2013, Jedward performed every year at the ChildLine Concert.

In Ireland, Jedward have also worked with the ISPCA and promoted the Concern Worldwide Fast fundraiser. In the UK, Jedward have been involved with Comic Relief, Sport Relief, and Children in Need. They also visit children in hospitals to cheer them up.

Other activities

Advertising

In 2009, Jedward were part of a Tourism Ireland radio advertisement. In 2010, Jedward appeared in ads for the Irish fast food chain Abrakebabra. They have also been in advertising campaigns for East Midlands Trains, Rowntree's Randoms, Disney Universe, and a Travel Supermarket commercial. In 2011, they were part of an advertising campaign for the mobile network 3 Ireland. This included their own Jedward-branded mobile phone.

Stage shows

Between 2010 and 2013, Jedward performed in a Christmas play every year at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin. These plays also starred Linda Martin. John and Edward played themselves, and the shows featured Jedward's songs. Their first show was Cinderella in 2010, where they played the fairy godbrothers. They returned in 2011 with Jedward and the Beanstalk, and in 2012 with Jedward and the Magic Lamp. In 2013, their fourth and last play was Jedward in Beauty and the Beast.

Impact and popularity

While on The X Factor, Jedward had many famous fans, including Pixie Lott and Robbie Williams. Even the Irish leader, Taoiseach Brian Cowen, supported them. Two major British political parties, Labour and the Conservatives, made fun posters based on the twins. Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown once said Jedward were "not very good" but later said sorry. The next Prime Minister, David Cameron, said he enjoyed watching The X Factor and that Jedward were his favorite act. He even bought a T-shirt with their faces on it.

Music releases

Studio albums

• Planet Jedward (2010)
• Victory (2011)
• Young Love (2012)
• Voice of a Rebel (2019)

TV and film appearances

Awards and nominations

See also

• List of The X Factor finalists (UK series 6)