Tulisa’s Journey: From X Factor Fame to Jungle Game
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Tulisa Contostavlos: From The X Factor Spotlight to the I’m a Celebrity 2024 Jungle
The journey of Tulisa Contostavlos, the N-Dubz singer, has been anything but ordinary over the past decade. At 36, she’s now among the 10 courageous personalities embracing the wild Australian outback for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2024. Confirmed alongside Coleen Rooney and McFly’s Danny Jones, Tulisa’s participation marks a significant moment in her life.
“I’m a big softie and very emotional,” she admitted. “The first few days will be tough for me—this is a huge leap outside my comfort zone. I haven’t been in the spotlight like this in years due to irrational fears. But I know I’ll find my footing.”
A Meteoric Rise with N-Dubz
Tulisa first gained recognition in 2007 when her hip-hop trio N-Dubz—formed with her cousin Dappy and friend Fazer—won a MOBO award for Best Newcomer. Their debut album, signed under Polydor, achieved double platinum status, boasting hits like Ouch, Papa Can You Hear Me, and Strong Again.
The success didn’t stop there. In 2009, their sophomore album, Against All Odds, went platinum, leading to their first Top 10 hit, I Need You. That same year, N-Dubz collaborated with Tinchy Stryder on the UK number-one track Number 1. By 2010, after releasing their third album, Tulisa had secured a spot as a judge on ITV’s The X Factor alongside Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, and Kelly Rowland.
In her debut judging season, she led Little Mix to victory. Reflecting on that time, she once said, “I wasn’t prepared for the intensity of fame—it was a massive shock to my system.”
Scandals and Resilience
At the peak of her career, Tulisa’s world unraveled when an ex-boyfriend leaked an intimate video online. The backlash was merciless. Addressing the situation via YouTube, she said, “When you share private moments with someone you trust, you never imagine they could be exposed to the world.”
In 2013, her reputation was further tested when undercover journalist Mazher Mahmood accused her of brokering a drug deal—a claim debunked in court. Mahmood was later convicted of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. “The ordeal pushed me to the brink,” Tulisa revealed. “I considered giving up entirely, but three days later, I was back in the studio. Writing my book during that time was my therapy.”
Career and Health Challenges
Following her 2012 solo album The Female Boss, which flopped critically, Tulisa’s music career stalled. However, in 2022, N-Dubz reunited for a nostalgic tour and new album, though it didn’t achieve significant commercial success.
Despite rumors of a career revival with I’m a Celebrity, Tulisa has expressed her desire to exit the entertainment industry before 40. “I want a peaceful life surrounded by those I love and who love me. That’s all I need,” she shared.
Her health struggles have also been profound. Diagnosed with Bell’s palsy in 2020, she’s faced recurring health issues, including a persistent crawling sensation on her face. Recently, doctors discovered infected cysts in her cheek.
Aiming for Authenticity
Tulisa’s goal in the jungle is simple: to be her genuine self. “If being authentic resonates with people, then I must be doing something right,” she said.
For the full list of I’m a Celebrity 2024 contestants, click here.
