Jamie Miller’s road to the number one spot is certainly a fitting success story for 2026.
Last week, the Welsh singer’s hit Babydoll topped the UK singles chart two months on from its release, after becoming a viral hit on TikTok.
But while, at first glance, Jamie might seem like an overnight success, he’s actually been grafting in the industry for more than a decade.
In fact, what you might not realise is that he’s now one of the rare hitmakers to come from The Voice UK, having made it to the ITV singing contest’s finals a decade ago.
The show’s former host Emma Willis reminded her followers of Jamie’s back story in a recent Instagram post celebrating his success.
“I first met Jamie Miller back in October 2016 when he came to Manchester to audition for The Voice with his lovely family,” she recalled. “He was the sweetest, most well-mannered kid who got up on stage and gave it absolutely everything.
“Even then, you could see how much it meant to him and just how determined and passionate he was.”
“Fast forward 10 years and here we are again, reunited on Strictly Come Dancing, with his wonderful family, as always, by his side,” she continued, sharing snaps from behind the scenes of Jamie’s recent Strictly appearance.
“Jamie has worked his arse off over the last decade, grafting away, taking every opportunity and never giving up. That determination, resilience and tenacity have served him well, and to see him now, getting his moment and the recognition he deserves, makes me absolutely overjoyed!”
“He’s still that lovely lad I met all those years ago, it genuinely couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy,” Emma enthused. “Go get ’em, Jamie. You wholeheartedly deserve every second.”
Last week, Jamie opened up about the highs and lows of his musical journey during an interview on Heart Breakfast.
He recalled: “I was working in a call centre, for Tesco, fixing iPads. [Making music] was like a pipe dream. I feel like I was dreaming of it, but I never thought it was ever possible and then I just started doing some things and building the blocks.
“I went on The Voice, and I came third on The Voice. Then I came off The Voice, and nothing really happened. And then Khloé Kardashian found me…”
Jamie continued: “She posted a video of me singing and said I was her new favourite singer and then basically, back then, every single label was in my emails and then the next day I was on a flight to New York City and then I ended up signing a record deal.
“I thought my life changed forever and then a few years later I put out a song and my career’s kind of [had ups and downs]. I’ve had little bits of success and it’s gone away again and I don’t know, Babydoll is, like, the reason why I feel like it’s finally hitting mainstream and seeing that happen is the most mind-boggling thing in the world.”
On Friday, Jamie became the first Welsh performer to reach number one in the UK in 15 years, replacing Taylor Swift at the top spot and fending off stiff competition from Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan and Tate McRae.
“I don’t even know what to say other than thank you so much for getting me number one,” he gushed.
“This is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me in my life, I love you guys.”
