Ella Mai, the British singer-songwriter, has recently released her third studio album titled ‘Do You Still Love Me?’. Unveiled in February, this latest project showcases a more introspective and authentic side of the artist, heavily influenced by the R&B sounds of the 1990s and 2000s.
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In a conversation with People magazine, the 31-year-old artist expressed how her new album embodies both honesty and vulnerability. Unlike her previous work, where there might have been pressure to recreate hits like “Boo’d Up” and “Trip”, Mai opted to connect with her true self during the songwriting process. “I feel like honesty and vulnerability were the leading force in this album,” she reflected. This approach allowed her to delve deeper into her experiences and emotions, creating music that resonates more genuinely with her journey.
As she listened back to the tracks after completion, Mai found herself grappling with self-doubt about sharing her personal stories. “We give so much of ourselves already as artists… it can be a daunting feeling,” she candidly admitted. However, she drew inspiration from her musical influences, recalling how artists from her formative years poured their emotions into their music. Notably, Lauryn Hill’s ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ was a significant touchstone for Mai, and she sought to embody the same sense of rawness and authenticity in her own work.
Mai’s journey has not only been about musical exploration but also personal growth. As an artist with a Type A personality, she has faced challenges in relinquishing control over her creative process. “I’m also trying to learn how to let that go too,” she said, acknowledging the balance between discipline and artistic freedom. This personal evolution has been rewarding, resulting in artistic recognition. At the upcoming 2026 BET Awards, Mai has received nominations for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year for her track “100”.
The nods from the BET Awards are especially meaningful for her, as the first award she ever won was a BET accolade. Reflecting on this milestone, she expressed gratitude, stating, “It kind of brings back those feelings of very early in my career.” Moreover, she highlighted what she perceives as a flourishing time for female R&B artists, emphasising that the genre is very much alive and setting the stage for mainstream prominence once again.
Looking back, Mai recollects how her early career advancements were both exhilarating and overwhelming. “So much happened for me really early in my career… sometimes I didn’t even realise the magnitude of what was actually happening,” she admitted. With the wisdom that comes with age and experience, she has shifted her perspective on success. “Nowadays, it’s more so like, ‘Am I enjoying what I’m doing?'” she stated, indicating a shift towards valuing happiness and personal satisfaction over accolades.
The album’s cover art, marked by vibrant yellow hues, serves as a reflection of her current state of mind. Mai explained her inclination towards colours in describing her artistic vision: “When I was thinking about my album… I said yellow.” For her, yellow represents energy, warmth, and a phase in her life and career filled with positivity. “I was always a very black and white person, and I’m understanding that a lot of stuff lives in the grey area in life,” she noted, highlighting her growth as an artist and as an individual.
As she prepares for her upcoming North American tour, Mai encourages everyone to find their own “yellow” — a symbol of joy and vibrancy in their lives. The anticipation builds as fans await to hear the new material live, while the 2026 BET Awards are set to air on Sunday, June 28, 2026, promising a celebration of remarkable talent in the world of R&B and beyond.
Ella Mai’s artistic journey continues to inspire many, showcasing how vulnerability and personal growth can lead to profound musical expression. Her latest album is a testament to her evolution, both as an artist and as a person, and her commitment to authenticity resonates through every track.