Emeli Sandé announces engagement to girlfriend after whirlwind romance: ‘I said yes!’

Emeli Sandé has revealed she is engaged to her girlfriend Yoana Karemova.

The “Next to Me” singer revealed in an Instagram post she said yes after her partner proposed on Wednesday (21 September)

Classical pianist Karemova posted on her own Instagram account confirming the engagement, saying: “I just would like to say we are forever together!!

“So happy you replied with YES. Thank you everyone for your love and support, so truly appreciated,” she added.

Emilé Sande says future wife ‘gave her strength’

The two reportedly met while Emile Sandé was recording her 2022 album Let’s Say for Instance, which Karemova helped record, and began a relationship shortly after.

In March this year the singer came out in an interview with Metro.

“I just feel like I should fall in love with whoever I fall in love with,” she said at the time.

“For me, true love and having love in your life makes everything fit into place.”

She went social media official with Karemova a few days later. In a touching Twitter post, she said it had taken her “many years to find the strength to be myself” but that Karemova had given it to her.

“[It] feels so good to be in love and I feel happier than ever. I’m deeply touched by all your messages of love and support,” she added. “Thank you so much for your acceptance and kind wishes.

“A huge weight has been lifted, here’s to a new beginning in truth and happiness!”

Sandé admitted that she felt pressured not to come out publicly because of her work in the music industry.

She said, while nothing was ever said to her directly, she got a feeling from record label staff that they wanted her to “avoid coming out” for what she interpreted as their fear of how it would affect her career.

But her new album Let’s Say for Instance, which was released on 6 May, proved that wasn’t the case. The album received positive reviews and was commended for its “tasteful, mid-paced reverie”. It managed to reach number five in the UK Independent Albums chart.