Max George

Last updated

Max George
Max George 2012.jpg
George in 2012
Background information
Birth nameMaximillian Albert George
Born (1988-09-06) 6 September 1988 (age 35)
Swinton, Greater Manchester, England
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • actor
Years active2006–present
Labels

Maximillian Albert "Max" George [1] (born 6 September 1988) is an English singer, best known as the lead singer of the boy band The Wanted.

Contents

George started his career as a footballer, playing for Preston North End. After an injury ended his football career, he decided to pursue a music career. George made his singing debut with the band Avenue. After the group disbanded in 2009, George joined the newly formed band, The Wanted. In 2014, following The Wanted's success in the United States, he landed his first acting role in the sixth season of the American television series Glee in the role of Clint, the leader of "Vocal Adrenaline". [2]

In 2013, George starred in the E! channel reality series The Wanted Life . [3]

Early life

George was born on 6 September 1988 in Swinton, Greater Manchester and studied at Bolton School. [4] He was raised in Manchester. [5] Before music, he was a footballer with Preston North End and was on the verge of signing a two-year deal with them. He has been a Manchester City F.C. supporter since a young age. [6]

Music career

Avenue and The X Factor

In 2005 George joined the four-piece boy band Avenue made up of himself, Jonathan Lloyd, Scott Clarke, Ross Candy and Jamie Tinkler. After applying to The X Factor in 2006, the band auditioned for the third series of the competition singing an a cappella version of the Will Young song, "Leave Right Now". [7] They were mentored by Louis Walsh after completing the bootcamp and judges' house portion. Making it to the final 12, the band then signed a management contract with the series. After it was discovered they were already under contract with another management firm, they were disqualified from the show. [8] [9] [10] Following the disqualification, they were signed to the Crown Music Management recording label and were awarded an album deal with Island Records.

With Andy Brown joining as a member of Avenue replacing Jamie Tinkler, the band went on to have some success beyond their X Factor appearances. In 2008, Avenue released their debut single, "Last Goodbye", which reached number 50 on the UK Singles Chart. Their plans to go on tour were cancelled. They had a follow-up release with "Can You Feel It?." The group disbanded in 2009. [11] In 2008, while still a member of Avenue, George appeared naked on cover of British gay magazine AXM 's "Naked Issue" in support of cancer research.

The Wanted

George during a live performance Max George 01.jpg
George during a live performance

In 2009, a mass audition was held by Jayne Collins to form a boy band, after successfully launching Parade and The Saturdays. George auditioned and was selected as one of five members, along with Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, Tom Parker and Jay McGuiness out of the thousands of others who auditioned. The band was formed and together they worked on their debut album before finding a perfect name for their band, The Wanted. Their debut single "All Time Low" was released on 25 July 2010, debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart. Their second single, "Heart Vacancy" was released on 17 October 2010. The song hit number two on the UK Singles Chart, and at number 18 in Ireland. Their third single, "Lose My Mind" was released on 26 December 2010. The song peaked number 19 on the UK Singles Chart, and peaked at number 30 in Ireland. In 2011, the single was released in Germany and in 2012, in the United States. [12] In 2013, in support of a crossover appeal to the American music market, the group starred in their own reality series on E!. [13] The series, The Wanted Life only aired for one season.

The band announced their decision to break in January 2014. [14] Max, as a member of the band has sold over 12 million records worldwide. The Wanted returned in 2021

Solo artist

In January 2014, George revealed in an interview that he was signed as a solo artist by Scooter Braun. [15] On 3 July 2018 he released his first solo single "Barcelona". The song has more than 4.5 million streams on Spotify. On 24 May 2019 he released his second single "Better On Me". [16]

Other ventures

Modelling

In June 2013, George was named as the new face and spokesmodel for Buffalo denim's fall line. He starred in the campaign opposite Sports illustrated swimsuit model, Hannah Davis. In November 2013, he did an underwear campaign for Buffalo again. [17]

Acting career

George is signed with Creative Artists Agency since 2013. [18] In June 2014, George revealed his decision to enroll in elocution classes, to help improve his pursuit of an acting career. [19] [20] In September 2014, it was confirmed that he had joined the cast of Glee in the role of Clint, a bully and the lead vocalist of Vocal Adrenaline, after Mark Salling shared a photo of him on Twitter hanging out with Max on the set of the final season of the US comedy drama. [21] [22] [23] He made his first on screen appearance on 9 January 2015. In April 2024, George was cast as Parson Nathaniel in Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds for the 2025 The Spirit of Man tour. [24]

Reality TV

On 2 February 2015, it was announced that George had joined the cast of Bear Grylls' TV survival series, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive . [25]

On 1 September 2020, it was announced that George would be taking part in the eighteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing . [26] He was partnered with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell. They were eliminated on week 4 of the competition, finishing in ninth place.

In 2022, he competed in the ITV series The Games . In 2023, he took part in Scared of the Dark on Channel 4.

Radio

On 7 July 2021, it was announced that George would be joining Hits Radio, presenting Friday Night Hits, every Friday from 7-10pm across the Hits Radio Network. His first show was on 9 July 2021.

Personal life

George was in a relationship with actress Michelle Keegan from December 2010. [27] The couple became engaged in June 2011, but ended their relationship the following year. [28] In October 2013, George confirmed in an interview that he was dating Danish swimwear model Nina Agdal. [29] They split in February 2014. He dated beauty queen Amy Willerton briefly in 2014. [30] In October 2014, he confirmed being in a relationship with Miss Oklahoma contestant Carrie Baker. [31] [32] In 2018, he began dating Stacey Giggs, but they split in August of 2022 after he was embroiled in cheating rumors with co-star Maisie Smith. [33] In September 2022, it was revealed that he was dating EastEnders actress Maisie Smith. [34]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2013 Chasing the Saturdays HimselfEpisode: "#DeepFriedSats"
The Wanted Life 7 episodes
2015 Glee ClintRecurring role; 6 episodes
Bear Grylls: Mission Survive Himself2 episodes
2020Me, Myself and DiLifeguardFilm
Kill/StreamGavCompleted
Strictly Come Dancing HimselfContestant; series 18
2022 Pointless Celebrities Contestant
2023 Scared of the Dark
2023 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars
Richard Osman's House of Games

Discography

Singles

YearTitle
2018"Barcelona"
2019"Better On Me"
"Til I Met You"
2020"That's Not Me"
"Hate You"
"Paint By Numbers"
"Give Yourself To Me"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boyzone</span> Irish boy band

Boyzone was an Irish boy band, created in 1993 by talent manager Louis Walsh. Before even recording any material, Boyzone made an appearance on RTÉ's The Late Late Show. Its most successful line-up was composed of Keith Duffy, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating, and Shane Lynch. As of 2018, Boyzone had released seven studio albums and nine compilation albums.

One True Voice were a British boy band created on the ITV television series Popstars: The Rivals.

<i>The X Factor</i> (Australian TV series) Australian TV series

The X Factor is an Australian television reality music competition, based on the original UK series, to find new singing talent. The first season of the show premiered on Network Ten on 6 February 2005. Ten dropped The X Factor after the first season due to its poor ratings. In 2010, the Seven Network won the rights to the show, and a second season went into production. The X Factor was renewed after the highly successful Australian Idol was no longer broadcast on Network Ten. The X Factor was produced by FremantleMedia Australia, and was broadcast on the Seven Network in Australia and on TV3 in New Zealand. The program was cancelled after its eighth season in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carolynne Poole</span> English singer-songwriter, actress and former model.

Carolynne Willey is a British singer-songwriter, actress and former model from Leeds, England. She is a founding member of the Carolynne Good Band, based in Leeds and London. She is best known for finishing in third place on the second series of the BBC singing competition Fame Academy in 2003. In 2011, Willey was a contestant on The X Factor and made it to the judges' houses' stage of the competition. She returned to the show the following series in 2012 and made it to the live shows, but was eliminated after the first live show following a sing-off against Rylan Clark.

Avenue were an English boy band. They participated in the third series of The X Factor in 2006 and initially made it to the final 12, but were banned from participation for having been specifically formed for the competition and having professional representation. They continued to proclaim their innocence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JLS</span> English pop/R&B group formed in 2007

JLS are an English boy band consisting of members Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams, Marvin Humes, and JB Gill, originally formed by Williams. They initially signed to Tracklacers production company New Track City and then went on to become runners-up of the fifth series of the ITV reality talent show The X Factor in 2008, coming second to Alexandra Burke. Following their appearance on The X Factor, JLS signed to Epic Records. Their first two singles "Beat Again" and "Everybody in Love" both went to number one on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aston Merrygold</span> English media personality

Aston Iain Merrygold is a British singer, songwriter, actor, dancer and television presenter. He is known for being a member of the British boy band JLS, who were the runners-up to Alexandra Burke in the fifth series of The X Factor. As part of the group he achieved five number one singles on the UK Singles Charts and a number one album on the UK Albums Charts. As of December 2013, JLS had sold over 10 million records before disbanding in 2013 and reuniting in 2020. In 2013, he became a judge on the British dance talent show Got to Dance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marvin Humes</span> English singer, DJ and presenter

Marvin Richard James Humes is an English singer-songwriter, disc jockey, radio host, television presenter, and former actor. Before rising to prominence as a member of the British boy band JLS, he had an acting role in Holby City. As part of JLS, he achieved five number-one singles on the UK Singles Charts and a number-one album on the UK Albums Charts. As of December 2013, they have sold over 10 million records worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oritsé Williams</span> British singer

Oritsé Jolomi Matthew Soloman Williams, professionally as Oritsé, is a British singer. He is best known as the founding member of the boy band JLS, who were runners-up to Alexandra Burke on the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008. JLS sold over 10 million records before disbanding in December 2013. Williams also won the ITV dancing competition Stepping Out in September 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wanted</span> British-Irish boy band

The Wanted are a British-Irish boy band consisting of group members Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Nathan Sykes, and the late Tom Parker. The group was formed in 2009 and signed a worldwide contract to Universal Music, Island Records and Mercury Records, and was managed by Scooter Braun.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Parker (singer)</span> British singer (1988–2022)

Thomas Anthony Parker was an English singer, best known as a member of the boy band the Wanted. In 2013, Parker appeared with his bandmates in the E! channel reality television series The Wanted Life. Alongside the Wanted, Parker released three studio albums and achieved two number one singles on the UK Singles Chart. After the band's hiatus in 2014, he embarked on a solo career.

Jamie Tinkler is an English singer and songwriter born in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, England. He has had record deals with Jive, Sony/BMG along with Universal Records. Jamie was a contestant on the Eurovision Song for Europe contest, performing live on BBC, and made it to the final 50 of Pop Idol 2003. He had three top 20 UK chart hits with girl/boy band Pop! and was an X Factor finalist with boyband Avenue in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Arthur</span> English singer and songwriter (born 1988)

James Andrew Arthur is an English singer and songwriter. He rose to fame after winning the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012. His debut single, a cover of Shontelle's "Impossible", was released by Syco Music after the final, and debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart. Since then, it has gone on to sell over 2.5 million copies worldwide, making it the most successful winner's single in the show's history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Union J</span> English boy band

Union J are an English boy band, consisting of members JJ Hamblett, Jaymi Hensley, George Shelley and Josh Cuthbert. Shelley left the group in 2016 and was replaced by Casey Johnson, who left several months later, Cuthbert left the group in 2018 leaving the band as duo until they disbanded in 2019. The band formed in 2011, originally as a trio known as Triple J, consisting of Cuthbert, Hamblett and Hensley. They auditioned for the ninth series of the British television music competition The X Factor where they met Shelley who joined the band at the judges' request. They were the tenth contestant eliminated and were subsequently signed to Sony Music subsidiary RCA Records. Their debut single "Carry You" was released in June 2013. Their self-titled debut studio album followed in October 2013 and peaked at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart.

<i>The X Factor</i> (British TV series) series 11 British TV competition

The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. The eleventh series began airing on ITV on 30 August 2014 and finished on 14 December 2014. Dermot O'Leary presented his eighth series of the main show on ITV and Sarah-Jane Crawford presented spin-off show The Xtra Factor on ITV2, replacing Caroline Flack and Matt Richardson. Louis Walsh was the only judge from series 10 to return and was joined by former judges Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Simon Cowell, and new judge Mel B, who replaced Sharon Osbourne, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger. Former judge Tulisa returned as a guest judge for the final on 13 December due to Mel B being ill. The series also saw the lower age limit decreased from 16 to 14, as it was in series 4 and 5. This was Walsh's final series as a judge before returning in series 13. It was O'Leary's final series as presenter on the main show, as he announced on 27 March 2015 that he was leaving to pursue other projects, before returning in series 13. On 11 May, Crawford also confirmed via Twitter that she would leave her position as The Xtra Factor presenter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Haenow</span> British singer

Benjamin Bernard Haenow is a British singer-songwriter. In 2014, he was crowned as the winner of the eleventh series of The X Factor UK after beating Fleur East. Following his win, his debut single, a cover of OneRepublic's "Something I Need", was released in December 2014. It debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the 2014 Christmas number one. Haenow released his self-titled debut studio album in November 2015, preceded by the single "Second Hand Heart", a duet with Kelly Clarkson.

Only the Young were a British pop group consisting of Mikey Bromley, Betsy-Blue English, Charlie George and Parisa Tarjomani. They were created and managed by Jo Perry. The group previously featured George Shelley, who auditioned for the ninth series of The X Factor as a soloist, was later added to Union J who made the live shows and were the tenth contestant eliminated in the semi-final. This was when Shelley was later replaced by Bromley. In 2014, Only the Young entered the eleventh series of The X Factor and made the live shows, where they were the tenth contestant eliminated.

Stereo Kicks were an English-Irish boy band who were formed and were the twelfth contestant eliminated on the eleventh series of The X Factor in 2014. Stereo Kicks consisted of; James Graham, Jake Sims, Chris Leonard, Charlie Jones, Casey Johnson, Barclay Beales, Reece Bibby, and Tom Mann. Their debut single "Love Me So" was released on 21 June 2015 and charted at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart. Just a month later, however, having been together under a year, they announced they were disbanding due to their failure to land a record deal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luke Friend</span> English singer (born 1996)

Luke Friend is an English singer from Teignmouth in Devon. He started his career in 2013 after winning TeenStar and appearing as a contestant and later a finalist on tenth series of The X Factor and later was the last contestant eliminated on the show. After his career appearing on The X Factor, he signed with RCA Records in October 2014 and released his debut single "Hole in My Heart" in March 2015. On 8 April 2016, he signed to BMG. Since 28 September 2022, he has appeared as Adam in Mamma Mia! The Party at The O2 (London).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Sykes</span> English singer

Nathan James Sykes is an English singer, best known as a member of the boy band The Wanted. In 2013, Sykes appeared with his bandmates in the E! channel reality television series The Wanted Life. After the band's hiatus in 2014, Sykes embarked on a solo career. His debut single, "Kiss Me Quick" was released in July 2015. It reached number-one on the US Dance Club Songs chart.

References

  1. ↑ George, Max (25 January 2012). "The Wanted: British band hopes to make splash in the U.S." Windy City Times (Interview). Interviewed by Jerry Nunn. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  2. ↑ Evans, Denise (4 February 2015). "Watch: Max George stars in Glee". Manchester Evening News . United Kingdom: manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Trinity Mirror . Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  3. ↑ Garibaldi, Christina (31 May 2013). "'The Wanted Life' Is 'Not for My Mom's Eyes,' Max George Shares". www.mtv.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015.
  4. ↑ "The Wanted closer to breaking America". theboltonnews.co.uk. 29 August 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  5. ↑ "The Wanted hit Scotland and release their debut album". STV. 26 October 2010. Archived from the original on 29 October 2010. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  6. ↑ "Louis' X-Factor boys make return". Metro . 28 August 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
  7. ↑ "Avenue's audition including George to The X Factor in 2006". 10 September 2006 – via YouTube.
  8. ↑ Samson, Pete (7 October 2006). "Exclusive: Avenue axed from X Factor". Daily Mirror . Retrieved 8 December 2008.
  9. ↑ "Avenue boy band kicked off Simon Cowell's British 'The X Factor' show". Reality TW World. 26 September 2006. Retrieved 8 December 2008.
  10. ↑ "Louis Walsh disqualifying Avenue from The X Factor competition" – via YouTube.
  11. ↑ Balls, David (15 September 2014). "Boyband Avenue announce split". digitalspy.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
  12. ↑ Rovi, Andrew Leahey (23 September 2014). "The Wanted". billboard.com.
  13. ↑ Garibaldi, Christina (6 February 2015). "'The Wanted Life' Is 'Not for My Mom's Eyes,' Max George Shares". www.mtv.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015.
  14. ↑ Wyatt, Daisy (25 September 2014). "The Wanted split up: Boy band announce break" . independent.co.uk. Archived from the original on 12 May 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  15. ↑ Citizen, The (21 September 2014). "Nathan Sykes and bandmate Max George sparked The Wanted's split for solo careers". gloucestercitizen.co.uk. Archived from the original on 30 January 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  16. ↑ "Interview: Max George opens up about new single Better On Me and his plans for solo music". Entertainment Focus. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  17. ↑ "Max George Models Underwear for Buffalo David Bitton @MaxTheWanted". proudprisoners.com. 29 September 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
  18. ↑ Shenton, Zoe (21 September 2014). "Max George on The Wanted split: I wasn't dishonest, everything I said the boys already knew". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
  19. ↑ Sheehan, Katie (27 June 2014). "The Wanted's Max George Taking Speech Lessons". Artist Direct. Archived from the original on 29 June 2014.
  20. ↑ "Max George in elocution classes to improve chances of acting jobs". express.co.uk. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  21. ↑ Grubbs, Jefferson (16 January 2015). "'Glee' Newbie Clint Is Played By Max George From The Wanted, So He's Basically Perfect To Lead Vocal". www.bustle.com.
  22. ↑ H, Emily (21 September 2014). "Glee Spoilers: The Wanted's Max George CONFIRMED for final season!". unrealitytv.co.uk. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  23. ↑ Heath, Olivia (19 September 2014). "The Wanted's Max George hangs out with Mark Salling on Glee set". reveal.co.uk. Archived from the original on 22 January 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  24. ↑ "Strictly star couple Max George and Maisie Smith cast in The War of the Worlds UK tour". radiotimes.com. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  25. ↑ Campbell, Tina (2 February 2015). "From Max George to Emilia Fox: Bear Grylls Mission Survive celebrity lineup confirmed". Metroaagency=DMG Media . Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  26. ↑ "Caroline Quentin, Jason Bell and Max George announced as first three Strictly Come Dancing contestants". Heart. 1 September 2020. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  27. ↑ "Max George From The Wanted For Axm Magazine 'Naked Issue' 2008". Wowwow.me. 12 September 2010. Archived from the original on 16 November 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  28. ↑ "Michelle Keegan's ex-fiancé Max George exclusively speaks out about former partner after she moved on with Mark Wright". OK! Magazine . Retrieved 1 September 2020.
  29. ↑ Warwick, Charlotte (30 October 2013). "Max George opens up about model girlfriend Nina Agdal: "She lights up the place"". Sugarscape. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  30. ↑ Bourne, Dianne (8 June 2014). "The Wanted heart-throb Max George and Amy Willerton cosy up at Neighbourhood – and run into Dizzee Rascal". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  31. ↑ Eames, Tom (29 October 2014). "The Wanted's Max George dating Miss Oklahoma contestant". Digital Spy . Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
  32. ↑ Hind, Katie (7 November 2014). "Max George moves to Hollywood for GOOD to be with new girlfriend Carrie Baker". Daily Mirror . mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  33. ↑ "Max George's ex Stacey Giggs says she's shifted 'a lead weight from around neck' in wake of split". Ok! Magazine . Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  34. ↑ "Maisie Smith refers to Max George as her 'boyfriend' as she shares sweet tribute". OK! Magazine . Retrieved 13 October 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.