Irish twins John and Edward Grimes became an instant pop sensation overseas when they appeared on the 6th season of The X Factor (UK). Combining both their names they formed the band Jedward and have since put out three albums, gone on tour with other X Factor contestants and represented Ireland in the Eurovision music contest. Find out more about the twins in their Kidzworld Bio!
Irish Infants
John and Edward Grimes were born in Dublin, Ireland but raised along with their older brother Kevin in Rathangan. They are identical twins, and if you’re wondering who’s older, it’s John (by 10 minutes.) Their mother Susanna is a teacher and their dad John works with computers. As kids the twins were inspired by major pop artists but were made fun of and bullied for their interest in music until moving schools. They loved artists like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Justin Timberlake and would enter as many school talent competitions as they could.
X Factor Finalists
In 2009 John and Edward auditioned for the 6th season of The X Factor (UK), the judges were divided but the boys made it through to bootcamp and ended up finishing in 6th place that season with a following of devoted fans. Although they entered the contest under the name John & Edward, their fans dubbed them Jedward, and it stuck! They became well known for their enthusiastic renditions of pop favorites. After leaving The X Factor the twins were signed and work with X Factor judge Louis Walsh (who filled in for Simon last week on 2nd season of The X Factor in the US.)
Planet Jedward to Eurovision
The boys performed as part of The X Factor live tour in 2010 and that same year put out their first album, Planet Jedward, a collection of pop covers. Very popular in their homeland of Ireland, the twins began by touring to support their debut album there and extended their tour by 43 dates due to popular demand! The press dubbed it “Jedwardmania.”
Returning to TV, the twins appeared on Big Brother, and also decided that they wanted to participate as Ireland’s representatives in Eurovision (a huge multinational music contest including musicians of every genre) that is televised. Their 2011 entry “Lipstick” shot to the top of the charts in several countries and made it to the final round of the competition. In June 2012 they released their latest album Young Love.
Check out "Young Love" byJedward below!
Have Your Say
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