“When I first met Jason Tatum, I’ll be honest—I didn’t think too much of it”. Ella Mai, the talented singer-songwriter, shared how she met NBA star Jason Tatum in a candid interview…

“When I First Met Jayson Tatum”: Ella Mai Opens Up About Their First Encounter

“When I first met Jayson Tatum, I’ll be honest—I didn’t think too much of it,” singer-songwriter Ella Mai revealed in a candid interview, offering fans a rare glimpse into the early days of her relationship with the NBA star. Known for keeping her private life largely under wraps, the Grammy-winning artist opened up about how their worlds first collided—and how love quietly bloomed from an unexpected connection.

Ella Mai, best known for her breakout hit “Boo’d Up,” wasn’t immediately swept away by the Boston Celtics forward when they first crossed paths. “It was one of those industry events—loud music, a bunch of people, and I was just trying to get through the night,” she recalled with a laugh. “I knew who he was, of course, but I didn’t feel any kind of spark right away. He seemed cool, respectful, but I wasn’t looking for anything.”

At the time, both were focused on their respective careers. Mai had just wrapped up a tour and was deep in studio sessions, while Tatum was navigating the intense pressure of leading his team through a demanding season. “We were both doing our thing,” she said. “I think that’s what made it easier—there was no pressure to impress each other.”

What started as casual conversation turned into a quiet friendship. “We stayed in touch, sent each other music, talked about books, basketball, life… nothing too serious,” she shared. But over time, she started to see a different side of Tatum. “He’s actually very thoughtful and low-key. That surprised me. There’s a lot more to him than what you see on the court.”

Their bond grew slowly, built on mutual respect and an appreciation for each other’s craft. “We both understand what it means to have a demanding schedule and a spotlight on you all the time. That creates a certain kind of understanding,” she said. “It’s not about fancy dates or being seen. It’s about real conversations, making time for each other, even if it’s just a FaceTime after a game or a voice note in the studio.”

Now, with their relationship more public than ever, Mai says she’s grateful for how it all unfolded. “It wasn’t love at first sight—but maybe that’s why it worked,” she reflected. “We took our time. There was no rush, no pressure. Just two people getting to know each other and realizing there was something special there.”

Though she remains protective of their privacy, Ella Mai acknowledges that love has influenced her music in subtle ways. “You might hear it in the lyrics if you really listen,” she said, smiling. “But I’ll leave that up to the fans to figure out.”

From an indifferent first impression to a deep connection, Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum’s story is a quiet reminder that sometimes, love doesn’t arrive with fireworks—it unfolds in the in-between moments, patiently and unexpectedly.