Jedward are among the most recognisable pop culture exports from Ireland of the last two decades. Rising from reality television to international stages, the identical twins built a career across music, television, and media that continues to evolve in 2025. Their story blends talent, controversy, resilience, and reinvention.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Grimes and Edward Grimes |
| Age (2025) | 33 years |
| Date of Birth | 16 October 1991 |
| Parents | John Grimes Sr. (father), Susanna Condron (mother) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $8 million (combined) |
| Height | John is 180 cm; Edward is about 182 cm. |
| Spouse / Partner | Not married |
| Ethnicity | Irish |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Source of Wealth | Music, television, endorsements, touring |
| Education | Scoil Bhríde National School, King’s Hospital School, Dublin Institute of Education |
Early Life & Education
John and Edward Grimes were born on 16 October 1991 in Dublin, Ireland. They are identical twins, the youngest in a family of ten children. Their upbringing was energetic, structured, and heavily influenced by both discipline and creativity.
Their early education took place at Scoil Bhríde National School in Rathangan. They later attended King’s Hospital School, one of Ireland’s most respected independent schools. Academically, they were considered focused and competitive rather than rebellious.
A key turning point in their youth came through athletics. Both twins were active members of Lucan Harriers Athletic Club and Dundrum South Dublin Athletics Club. They competed seriously in sprinting and relay events at national level. This experience built stamina, performance confidence, and public composure.
Another decisive influence was music and performance. During school talent shows, they regularly performed pop routines inspired by Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and the Backstreet Boys. These performances were not treated as hobbies. They rehearsed intensely and analysed audience reactions.
Their mother, Susanna Condron, played a central role in shaping their ambition. She encouraged confidence, self belief, and professionalism from an early age. This foundation would later define how Jedward handled fame, criticism, and media pressure.
Career & Rise to Fame
Breakthrough
Jedward’s public breakthrough came in 2009 when they auditioned for The X Factor UK Series 6. They auditioned in Glasgow under the name John and Edward. Their initial performance drew mixed reactions from the judges.
Simon Cowell was openly critical of their vocal ability. However, Louis Walsh recognised their star potential and chose to mentor them. Despite limited technical singing experience, their energy and originality made them stand out.
They progressed through multiple rounds of the competition. Their live performances became viral moments, often dominating media coverage and online discussion. This phenomenon became known in the press as the “Jedward paradox”.
They were eventually eliminated as the seventh act. Despite this, they left the show with one of the strongest fan bases of the season. The exposure proved more valuable than winning.
Music & Eurovision
Following The X Factor, Jedward signed a recording deal and released their debut single “Under Pressure Ice Ice Baby”, a mashup featuring Vanilla Ice. The single topped the Irish Singles Chart in 2010.
Their debut album Planet Jedward was released later that year. It achieved double platinum status in Ireland. The album blended pop, dance, and novelty elements designed for mainstream appeal.
Their second album Victory followed in 2011. It also reached double platinum status. The project coincided with their first major Eurovision appearance.
In 2011, Jedward represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf with the song “Lipstick”. They finished eighth with 119 points, Ireland’s strongest result in several years.
They returned to Eurovision in 2012 in Baku with the song “Waterline”. While the result was lower, the appearance reinforced their international recognition.
In 2012, they released Young Love, marking a shift toward a more polished pop sound. Their fourth studio album Voice of a Rebel arrived in 2019, reflecting a more independent and politically aware creative direction.
Key music achievements include:
- Four studio albums released between 2010 and 2019
- Multiple number one singles in Ireland
- Two Eurovision Song Contest appearances
- Double platinum certifications in Ireland
Television & Media
Jedward quickly expanded beyond music into television. In 2011, they finished third on Celebrity Big Brother. Their appearance introduced them to a broader adult audience.
They returned to the franchise in Celebrity Big Brother All Stars vs New Stars in 2017, finishing second. Their growth in maturity and self awareness was widely noted.
From 2011 to 2013, they hosted OMG! Jedward’s Dream Factory, a reality series focused on granting fan wishes. The show strengthened their family friendly brand.
They also presented Jedward’s Big Adventure on CBBC, positioning them as children’s television personalities. In 2012, they participated in the London Olympic torch relay in Dublin.
These ventures established Jedward as versatile media figures rather than short lived pop acts.
Recent (2024–2025) Activity
In recent years, Jedward have focused on selective media appearances and individual projects. In August 2024, John Grimes was publicly reported as joining the Hinge dating app after remaining single for eight years.
In 2025, Edward Grimes appeared solo on Celebrity Ex On The Beach. This marked his first major individual reality television role. The move was widely interpreted as a strategic expansion beyond the twin brand.
In the same year, Jedward appeared together on ITV’s Silence Is Golden. The appearance demonstrated their continued relevance in mainstream British television.
While new music releases have slowed, their media presence remains steady. Their ability to adapt formats has allowed them to sustain long term visibility.
What is Jedward’s Net Worth?
Jedward’s combined net worth in 2025 is estimated at approximately $8 million. This figure is supported by multiple celebrity finance tracking platforms.
According to publicly available estimates from Celebrity Net Worth and European entertainment analysts, their wealth stems from diversified income streams rather than a single peak period.
Primary income sources include:
- Music sales and streaming royalties
- Television appearance fees
- Live performances and tours
- Endorsements and branded partnerships
- Publishing and media licensing
They are also reported to own property in Dublin valued at over €1.5 million. Their financial strategy has focused on longevity rather than rapid monetisation.
While Forbes has not published a dedicated profile on Jedward, industry estimates consistently place them among Ireland’s most financially successful reality television exports.
Personal Life & Relationships
Jedward have remained relatively private regarding their personal relationships. Neither twin is married as of 2025.
Edward Grimes previously dated Sabina Karlsson during their appearance on MTV’s Single AF in 2017. The relationship ended amicably and remained largely private.
John Grimes confirmed in 2024 that he had been single for eight years prior to re entering the dating scene. He has stated that personal stability and career focus were priorities during that period.
Their family life was deeply impacted by the death of their mother, Susanna Condron, in 2019 following a battle with cancer. She had managed their career from 2013 until her passing.
They have frequently credited her with teaching them independence, resilience, and self respect within the entertainment industry.
Controversies
Jedward’s career has not been without controversy. In 2016, a public feud with Louis Walsh emerged after Walsh referred to them as his “most embarrassing act”.
The twins responded by stating that the comments disrespected both their career and their late mother. The dispute was widely reported but did not escalate into legal action.
They have also faced criticism for perceived novelty elements in their early music career. Critics often questioned their longevity and artistic credibility.
Jedward have consistently responded by shifting focus toward independence and control over their brand. No major legal disputes or financial scandals have been publicly confirmed.
Conclusion
Jedward’s journey reflects a rare example of sustained relevance following reality television fame. From teenage performers to seasoned media personalities, they navigated public scrutiny, industry pressure, and personal loss.
Their ability to adapt across music, television, and individual ventures has defined their longevity. In 2025, Jedward remain a recognisable and influential presence in European pop culture.
FAQs
How old are Jedward in 2025?
They are 33 years old.
Are Jedward married?
No, neither John nor Edward is married.
What is Jedward best known for?
They are best known for The X Factor, Eurovision, and reality television.
Did Jedward win Eurovision?
No, their highest placement was eighth in 2011.
Are Jedward still active in 2025?
Yes, they continue to appear on television and media projects.
Do John and Edward Grimes have girlfriends?
As of 2025, neither John nor Edward Grimes has publicly confirmed having a girlfriend.
