From Queens to the World Cup: Ella Mai’s Dual Passion
Ella Mai spent her formative teenage years in the bustling borough of Queens, New York, where the rhythm of the city intertwined with her love for both music and soccer.
At 18 she faced a pivotal choice: keep chasing a soccer dream or devote herself to the studio. She chose the latter, a decision that would eventually land her on global stages and earn her a Grammy.
Recently, Mai returned to Queens as part of the FIFA World Cup celebrations, performing for a crowd that included her old teachers and classmates from Queens High School of Teaching. The event was more than a concert; it was a homecoming that blended the excitement of the tournament with the nostalgia of her youth.
Her affection for football runs deep. Growing up, the sport was a shared passion with her older brother, and she has never outgrown that connection. A lifelong Arsenal supporter, Mai even named her dog after French legend Thierry Henry, a tribute that underscores how the worlds of sport and music intersect in her life.
Beyond personal fandom, Mai sees a broader cultural link. She notes how her Chinese fans can sing every lyric to her songs despite language barriers, illustrating how rhythm and melody can bridge continents. "Sports and music both have the power to bring people together," she says, a sentiment that resonates with her own journey.
Looking back, the younger Ella Mai would be astonished at the path she has carved — one that began on a Queens soccer field and now reverberates in stadiums and concert halls worldwide.