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Alexander Jean
Alexander Jean
from Wikipedia

Mark Ballas performing in 2014

Key Information

Alexander Jean is an American music duo made up of singers Mark Ballas and BC Jean. The name for the duo is a combination of their two middle names. Ballas and Jean first met in 2012. Ballas was performing in a band while Jean was performing her own material. They became an official music duo in 2015. They also married each other in November 2016.[1][2]

Their debut single was "Roses and Violets". It reached the top 20 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. Alexander Jean were picked in November 2018 as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month. The duo was featured on NBC's Today show, hosted by Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, broadcast nationally in the United States where they performed a live version of their single "Waiting for You".

Members

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Mark Ballas

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Mark Alexander Ballas Jr. (born May 24, 1986) is a British/American singer-songwriter, musician, critically acclaimed professional dancer, choreographer and actor. He played Charlie Price in the 2012 Broadway musical Kinky Boots and played Frankie Valli in the Broadway musical Jersey Boys.

BC Jean

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Brittany Jean Carlson[3] (born April 22, 1987),[3] better known by her stage name BC Jean,[3][4] is an American singer-songwriter and actress, perhaps best known for writing the song "If I Were a Boy" which was later sung by Beyoncé and achieved worldwide commercial success.

Discography

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EPs

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  • 2016: Head High
  • 2017: High Enough
  • 2021: Coming Down

Singles

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Alexander Jean is an American indie music duo formed in 2015 by married singer-songwriters and Ballas, whose name combines their middle names—Alexander for Ballas and Jean for his wife. The pair met in at a mutual friend's singer-songwriter gathering in , where they bonded over their shared passion for music, initially performing separately before collaborating as a duo about a year later. Ballas, known for his Emmy-nominated role as a professional dancer on and his 2011 solo album, brings guitar and production skills to the group, while Jean, a former signee who co-wrote Beyoncé's hit "," contributes powerful vocals and songwriting. Their sound fuses '70s and '90s aesthetics with elements of , , and pop-rock, often drawing from personal experiences like their relationship and parenthood after the birth of their son in 2023. The duo self-produces their music and has released an EP titled Coming Down along with singles such as "Toe Tag," "For Anybody Wondering," and a 2025 track "I Don't Dance," while also covering classics like Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" in acoustic form; they have toured extensively and signed with a label to build their catalog.

Background

Mark Ballas

Mark Ballas was born on May 24, 1986, in , , to professional ballroom dancers , an American, and , a British ballroom champion. His paternal grandfather, , was a noted entrepreneur and inventor who developed the Weed Eater, a revolutionary tool. Shortly after his birth, Ballas moved to with his family, where he began intensive training in dance, acting, and singing at the Academy of Theatre Arts at age four. He returned to at age 11 to further his dance education under his parents' guidance at their studio. Ballas's early career in was marked by rigorous training from childhood, leading to competitive success as a junior dancer, including gold medals at the Junior Olympics and multiple international youth championships. By his mid-teens, he had transitioned into professional performances, touring with productions like Burn the Floor. His Broadway debut came later, with a role in as from October 2016 to the show's closure in January 2017, followed by portraying Charlie Price in Kinky Boots from September to November 2018. These stage roles showcased his versatility as a performer blending , , and vocal talents. Ballas gained widespread television fame as a professional dancer on , joining in season 5 in 2007 and appearing across 20 seasons until his retirement after season 31 (2022). He won the Mirrorball Trophy three times: in season 6 (2008) with Olympic figure skater , season 8 (2009) with gymnast Shawn Johnson, and season 31 (2022) with TikTok star . His choreography on the show earned an Emmy nomination in , highlighting his innovative approach to ballroom and contemporary styles. Prior to forming the duo Alexander Jean, Ballas pursued music as a and , drawing influences from rock artists like and , as well as flamenco traditions. He co-founded the pop group Ballas Hough Band with fellow Dancing with the Stars pro Derek , releasing their self-titled debut album BHB in 2009. Ballas followed with his solo debut album HurtLoveBox in 2011 and the single "Get My Name" in 2014, while also contributing original songs and live guitar performances to Dancing with the Stars soundtracks. These efforts laid the groundwork for Alexander Jean as a natural extension of his songwriting and performance interests.

BC Jean

Brittany Jean Carlson, professionally known as BC Jean, was born on April 22, 1987, in , . She developed an early interest in music, beginning to write poems at age five and transitioning to songwriting during her teenage years, drawing inspiration from artists like , , Queen, and . By her early twenties, Jean had established herself in the music industry, signing with —under the stewardship of —in December 2008 at age 21. Jean's songwriting career gained prominence with her co-authorship of alongside producer , initially recorded as a demo in 2008; later included it on her album , where it became a global hit, reaching number one in eight countries including , the , and , and peaking at number three on the Hot 100. She continued to pen tracks for major artists, including "Are You Ready" and "Que Será" for as Hannah Montana on the 2010 soundtrack Hannah Montana Forever, as well as for Ariana Grande's 2011 debut single. These successes solidified her reputation as a versatile hitmaker in . Under , she released her own debut singles, such as "Just a Guy" in 2010 and "I'll Survive You" in 2011, though a full-length album was never issued. In addition to music, Jean ventured into and soundtrack contributions during this period. She appeared in a supporting role as Harper Walker in the 2011 web series The Talent Show, produced by . She also composed the song "" for the soundtrack of the 2010 film , performed by . Her pre-duo musical style blended pop and R&B elements, characterized by emotionally charged, narrative-driven lyrics that explored themes of relationships and personal resilience, as evident in her solo releases and demo work.

Formation and early career

Meeting and marriage

and first met in 2012 at a charity fundraiser in , organized by mutual friends in the music industry. Ballas, impressed by Jean's vocal performance, obtained her contact information and pursued her romantically for several months before they began dating after a lengthy initial outing. Their relationship deepened over the next few years, leading to Ballas proposing to Jean on November 25, 2015, the day before . The couple announced their engagement publicly in 2016. This personal milestone coincided with the formation of their musical duo, Alexander Jean, in 2015, as a creative extension of their romance. Ballas and Jean married on November 25, 2016, exactly one year after the proposal, in a private bohemian-style ceremony at Calamigos Ranch in . The intimate event, attended by close family and friends including fellow cast members, featured musical elements such as performances by the for the bridal processional and a first dance to Coldplay's "," which incorporated an impromptu choreographed by Ballas. The duo's name, Alexander Jean, derives from their respective middle names—Alexander for Ballas and Jean for Jean Carlson.

Debut releases

Alexander Jean officially launched as an duo in 2015, with and self-producing their initial tracks in home studios to capture an organic, intimate sound. The duo's debut single, "Roses and Violets," released on July 27, 2015, peaked in the top 20 on Billboard's chart and explored themes of and through heartfelt and acoustic arrangements. Follow-up singles "So Bad," released September 15, 2016, and "Paper Planes," released in 2017, further showcased their acoustic pop style, blending folk-infused melodies with emotional storytelling. Their debut EP, Head High, arrived on June 3, 2016, featuring six tracks including the title song and earlier singles "Roses and Violets" and "So Bad," and was independently released under Alexander Jean Music. The project gained early traction through placements on playlists and live performances at intimate venues like the Hotel Café, building a dedicated fanbase for their raw, duo-driven performances.

Musical career

2016–2018: Initial EPs and singles

Alexander Jean began their recording career with the debut EP Head High, self-released on June 3, 2016, featuring six tracks that introduced their pop-rock sound with influences from R&B and . The EP included early singles like "Roses and Violets" (initially released in 2015) and "So Bad," establishing themes of love and resilience. In June 2017, Alexander Jean released their second EP, High Enough, which featured five tracks blending pop and rock elements, including the lead single "." The EP showcased the duo's evolving sound, with guitar-driven arrangements and harmonious vocals highlighting tracks like "Paper Planes" and "Easier Said Than Done." Building on the foundational success of their debut releases such as "Roses and Violets," High Enough marked a step forward in production and thematic depth, focusing on themes of resilience and relationships. The duo continued to build momentum with notable singles during this period. In November 2017, they released "," a holiday cover featuring vocalist , which reimagined the traditional carol with modern pop-rock instrumentation. The following year, in June 2018, Alexander Jean collaborated with violinist on "Stampede," a high-energy track infused with her signature violin riffs, which amassed over 10 million streams across platforms. These releases contributed to key milestones for the duo. In November 2018, Alexander Jean was named Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month, recognizing their rising profile and the emotional resonance of their music. That same month, they performed live on NBC's Today show, promoting their recent work and engaging a broader audience through high-profile television exposure. Touring played a crucial role in their promotion during this era, as Alexander Jean headlined small-scale U.S. tours to connect with fans and refine their live performances. These outings, often in intimate venues, drew visibility from Mark Ballas's established fanbase on , helping to amplify collaborations like and solidify their presence in the indie pop-rock scene.

2019–2021: Coming Down and milestones

In late 2019 and early 2020, Alexander Jean began adapting their creative process amid the escalating , which imposed widespread restrictions on live performances and studio collaborations. The duo shifted to setups, converting a spare room into a makeshift studio to self-produce material remotely, allowing them to continue developing their introspective sound influenced by earlier EPs like High Enough and Head High. This period marked a transition toward more personal and resilient themes in their music, reflecting the emotional challenges of isolation and relationship dynamics during lockdowns. A key release from this era was the single "Highs & Lows," an emotional released on November 13, 2020, that delves into the complexities of long-term partnerships beyond initial romance. The track, co-written and produced by and , captures themes of perseverance through relational ups and downs, drawing from their own experiences as a couple. Released during heightened pandemic restrictions, it resonated with listeners navigating personal uncertainties, and has since amassed over 4.2 million streams on alone. Following this, Alexander Jean covered Marcy Playground's 1997 hit "" as a single on June 1, 2021, infusing it with a modern twist through their indie-pop sensibilities and layered harmonies. The self-produced track reimagines the original's hazy nostalgia with contemporary production elements, emphasizing emotional depth over the source material's edge. Later that year, they released the Halloween-themed single "Toe Tag" on October 25, 2021, a spooky rock track self-produced at home. In November 2021, they issued an acoustic cover of Queen's "," which gained attention through a performance on ABC's The Queen Family Singalong. This release served as a bridge to their fuller body of work, blending covers with original introspection. The culmination of these efforts was their third EP, Coming Down, self-released on July 23, 2021, via the artist-led label Parts + Labor Records. Comprising six tracks—"Coming Down," "Nevermind," "Highs & Lows," "For Anybody Wondering," "Drunk," and ""—the EP explores themes of resilience, emotional , and personal growth amid adversity. Produced entirely at home during lockdowns, it highlights the duo's hands-on approach to and songwriting, fostering a raw, authentic sound that built on their growing streaming audience. This period also saw significant milestones for the duo, including a surge in digital engagement as remote listening became the norm.

2022–present: Hiatus, family influences, and return

Following the release of their EP Coming Down in 2021, Alexander Jean entered a period of hiatus to prioritize family life, during which Mark Ballas retired from his role as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars after the 2022 season 31 finale. Ballas shifted focus to other creative pursuits, including a collaboration on an animation project with acclaimed director John Musker, known for films such as The Little Mermaid and Moana. This break allowed the duo to navigate personal challenges, including a pregnancy loss in 2022, while building their family. The hiatus profoundly influenced their music, particularly with the single "Rainbow," released on October 5, 2023, which reflected on their experience of loss. This was followed by "So Small," released on November 2, 2023, which served as a "musical " capturing the "beautiful chaos and transformative journey of becoming parents." The track explores themes of vulnerability, overwhelming love, and the raw emotions tied to impending parenthood, inspired directly by BC Jean's with their son, Banksi Wylde Ballas, whom they welcomed on November 5, 2023. These releases marked a poignant return to music amid family milestones, blending with introspective that resonated with fans experiencing similar life transitions. After a two-year break from major releases to embrace parenthood, Alexander Jean made a full return with the single "I Don't Dance" on September 26, 2025, announced as the lead track teasing an upcoming EP as part of a broader release plan. The , co-written by Ballas and Jean, reflects their evolved artistry post-hiatus, incorporating themes of resilience and drawn from experiences. Building anticipation through social media teasers, the duo has re-engaged fans, achieving over 160,000 monthly listeners on by late 2025. Limited live performances, including appearances at select indie events, have further signaled their comeback.

Musical style and influences

Genre and sound

Alexander Jean's music is primarily classified as infused with rock and alternative elements, drawing from traditions to create a raw, rhythmic sound. Their style emphasizes heartfelt expression through powerful dual vocals and percussive guitar riffs, often blending warm pop melodies with edgier rock influences for an eclectic, old-meets-new aesthetic that spans '70s and vibes. This genre foundation is characterized by acoustic-driven instrumentation, close vocal harmonies, and live-feeling arrangements that prioritize emotional authenticity over polished production. The duo's sound has evolved from an initial focus on stripped-back, acoustic-centric recordings to a more varied palette incorporating subtle rock and indie textures, enhancing their eclectic appeal while maintaining a core of organic simplicity. Early efforts highlighted raw, home-recorded intimacy with minimal layering, reflecting a "less is more" philosophy that spotlights unprocessed vocals and guitar work. Over time, their approach has broadened to include warmer pop elements and occasional genre-blending nods, such as faint inflections, allowing for greater without losing the foundational rawness. Production for Alexander Jean adopts a DIY ethos, utilizing home studios to foster a collaborative, tag-team process where Mark Ballas contributes guitar foundations and engineering, while BC Jean drives the vocal leads and lyrical content. This self-sufficient method enables a natural, vacation-like creative flow, emphasizing all-live instrumentation and honest songwriting that avoids overproduction in favor of relatable immediacy. Thematically, their work consistently explores personal relationships, resilience amid emotional challenges, and the nuances of everyday feelings, transforming intimate experiences into universally resonant narratives. This consistency stems in part from the members' solo backgrounds, where Ballas's rock and flamenco influences merge with Jean's pop and poetic roots to shape the duo's blended style.

Influences and collaborations

Alexander Jean's music draws from a broad spectrum of influences, blending classic rock with contemporary elements. has cited Queen and Led Zeppelin as foundational inspirations, along with the polished pop of and '90s alternative acts like No Doubt's and Alanis Morissette's , which emphasized raw emotional expression in songwriting. In a 2021 interview, the duo described their approach as embracing music from the '70s and '90s without adhering to a single era, creating a timeless quality they termed an eclectic mix of periods they love. Their genre blends reflect the individual backgrounds of its members, incorporating dance rhythms from Ballas's experience as a professional dancer on , which infuses their tracks with rhythmic energy and groove. Jean's R&B and soul influences, honed through writing the global hit "" for , add layers of vocal intensity and melodic soulfulness to their indie foundation. Key collaborations have highlighted these influences and broadened their appeal. In 2018, they teamed up with violinist for "Stampede," a track that fused with electronic , marking one of their most impactful partnerships and underscoring themes of collaboration. The 2017 holiday single "" featured American Idol alum , blending festive harmonies with their signature storytelling; they revisited this in 2023 with an acoustic version. Their 2021 cover of Marcy Playground's "" reimagined the '90s alt-rock staple in an indie style, gaining traction through viral TikTok streams exceeding 1.2 million views. That same year, Alexander Jean joined ABC's The Queen Family Singalong to perform "" alongside , explicitly honoring Queen as one of their biggest influences and demonstrating the harmonic complexity drawn from . These collaborations have notably expanded Alexander Jean's audience, introducing their music to Stirling's electronic fanbase and holiday listeners via Abrams, while the Queen tribute reinforced their rock roots and connected with enthusiasts. Influences from these sources manifest in their intricate harmonies and narrative-driven lyrics, echoing the of '90s and traditions.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Alexander Jean, the musical duo consisting of and (born Brittany Jean Carlson), have maintained a private yet supportive since tying the knot in November 2016 in . The couple reside in and prioritize a low-key lifestyle amid their creative pursuits. In November 2023, Ballas and Jean welcomed their first child, a son named Banksi Wylde Ballas, born on November 5. The couple openly shared aspects of Jean's journey through public announcements and a collaborative song, "So Small," which captured their anticipation and emotional depth leading up to the birth. Prior to this, they had experienced a in 2022, an event they later addressed in their music to raise awareness about pregnancy loss. As new parents, Ballas and Jean have navigated the demands of family life alongside their music career, describing the transition to parenthood as a "beautiful chaos" and transformative experience. Jean has continued her songwriting and performances while embracing motherhood, with the couple emphasizing the joys and challenges of balancing creative work with raising their son. The duo approaches their family life with intentional privacy, sharing select milestones publicly but withholding details about daily routines to safeguard their child's . This deliberate boundary reflects their commitment to fostering a nurturing environment away from the spotlight.

Philanthropy and other ventures

Alexander Jean, the musical duo consisting of and , has engaged in several philanthropic efforts, leveraging their platform to support causes related to children's health and disaster relief. In 2016, they performed at the Tubeathon event in support of the American Red Cross's Giving Day, raising awareness and funds for . Additionally, Ballas and Jean have participated in events for the Starlight Children's Foundation, performing to bring joy and support to hospitalized children. Ballas has been involved in mental health advocacy through the Ballas Foundation, which he co-founded with his mother in 2010 following the suicide of his uncle. The foundation focuses on and emotional well-being, reflecting a personal commitment to addressing challenges. Beyond , Ballas pursued a venture in education by opening the Dance Studio in 2018, which offered group and private lessons in dancing and emphasized accessible instruction for . In 2025, Ballas returned to as a contestant for season 34. Jean has continued her songwriting career independently, contributing to hits for major artists such as co-writing "If I Were a Boy" for Beyoncé in 2008, which topped charts worldwide. In acting, she has appeared in indie projects, including a role in the 2010 film Di Di Hollywood and the web series The Talent Show in 2011. Jointly, Ballas and Jean launched an official merchandise line in 2021 via their website, featuring apparel like hoodies and T-shirts to connect with fans and support their independent music endeavors. Their social media presence has occasionally highlighted themes of emotional resilience, aligning with broader advocacy for mental health awareness.

Discography

EPs

Alexander Jean's discography includes three extended plays, each showcasing the duo's evolving and folk-infused sound. The debut EP, Head High, was independently released on June 3, 2016, comprising six tracks: "Thief," "Roses and Violets," "So Bad," "Head High," "Whiskey and ," and "Run." The title track served as the , highlighting the project's raw, emotional energy. Their follow-up, , arrived on June 26, 2017, also as an independent release under Alexander Jean Music, with five tracks including "F**k You No One Loves You Like Me," "," "Paper Planes," "Easier Said Than Done," and "Wouldn't Change a Thing." The title track functioned as a key single, emphasizing themes of and resilience. In 2021, Coming Down was self-released through Parts + Labor Records on July 23, featuring six tracks: "Coming Down," "," "," "For Anybody Wondering," "Drunk," and "." This EP delves into introspective themes of personal , reflecting the duo's life experiences during a period of self-production. As of November 2025, new music like "I Don't Dance" has been released, with speculation about potential future releases including an EP, but no release date, track details, or label have been confirmed.

Singles

Alexander Jean's singles features a mix of original tracks and covers, often showcasing their pop and folk influences. Their debut single, "Roses and Violets," released in 2016, marked their entry into the music scene and achieved commercial success by peaking at No. 19 on the chart. Following this, "So Bad" was released in 2016 as a follow-up single, highlighting the duo's songwriting partnership. In 2017, they issued "Paper Planes," an original track inspired by personal milestones. That same year, "We Three Kings," featuring vocalist , offered a holiday-infused rendition of the classic carol. The 2018 single "Stampede," featuring violinist , blended pop with instrumental elements and amassed over 10 million streams across platforms. "Highs & Lows," released in 2020, explored emotional contrasts and garnered significant traction on with over 1.9 million streams there as of 2021; total streams exceed 4 million across platforms as of 2025. In 2021, Alexander Jean released a cover of Marcy Playground's "Sex and Candy," reinterpreting the alternative rock hit in their acoustic style. That year, they also released the original single "Toe Tag" and an acoustic cover of Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust," the latter performed on the Queen special. After a period of reduced output, they returned in 2023 with "So Small," a reflective original single. Their 2025 release, "I Don't Dance," served as their first single following a two-year hiatus, signaling a renewed focus on music amid family priorities.
TitleYearFeatured ArtistPeak Chart/Streams
Roses and Violets2016NoneNo. 19 Bubbling Under Hot 100
So Bad2016None-
Paper Planes2017None-
We Three Kings2017-
Stampede2018Over 10 million streams
Highs & Lows2020NoneOver 4 million streams (2025); significant traction
Sex and Candy2021None-
Another One Bites the Dust2021None-
Toe Tag2021None-
So Small2023None-
I Don't Dance2025NoneFirst post-hiatus release

References

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