Emeli Sandé Confirms Separation from Fiancée Yoana Karemova After Postponing Wedding Plans

Emeli Sandé, the Grammy-winning British singer known for hits like "Read All About It, "has publicly confirmed her split from fiancée Yoana Karemova, a classical pianist. In a statement to The Sun on January 19, 2026, Sandé shared that the pair separated in the summer of 2025 after postponing their wedding, emphasizing a mutual decision driven by professional priorities.

"Sadly, we decided to separate in the summer. We both care very much for each other but needed to focus our time and energy on our music careers, "Sandé stated. This announcement marks the end of a relationship that Sandé had described as transformative, coinciding with her public coming out in March 2022 when she shared Instagram posts about finding her "soul mate"in Karemova.

Sandé reflected on the personal significance of the relationship at the time, writing on Instagram: “It’s taken me many years to find the strength to be myself. I’ve struggled for a long time to accept myself as I am. I’m so lucky to have found my soul mate Yoana, she’s such an extraordinary woman! Falling in love with her gave me the strength I needed. ” In a 2022 interview with Metro, she further elaborated, calling Karemova "the one for life"and noting how they met through music, which brought her unprecedented happiness. The couple announced their engagement six months after going public, in September 2022.

Their wedding plans, initially set for 2023, were deferred in November 2023 as Sandé prioritized promoting her fifth studio album, "How Were We to Know", released on November 17, 2023, and its accompanying tour. Sandé, who has not publicly labeled her sexuality, was previously married to her childhood sweetheart, scientist Adam Gouraguine, from 2012 until their divorce in 2014.

The breakup news, reported across multiple outlets this week, resonates within LGBTQ+ communities where visibility of same-gender relationships among public figures like Sandé— a Brit Award winner and chart-topper—offers affirmation and representation. Sandé's openness about her journey toward self-acceptance in 2022 garnered widespread support from fans and advocates, highlighting how personal relationships can empower transgender and queer individuals to embrace their identities publicly. While no specific community responses to the split have emerged yet, the story underscores the challenges transgender people and others in the LGBTQ+ spectrum face in balancing high-profile careers with personal commitments.

Currently 38 years old, Sandé is channeling her energy into new music as she works on her sixth studio album. Over the weekend before the announcement, she posted on Instagram from the studio: “Studio going great, definitely feeling focused, grateful and inspired! Can’t wait for shows, new music releases and to reconnect for real. Miss you guys! ” Her most recent single, “Roots, ” was released in November 2024.

Sandé's career trajectory post-split appears undeterred, with fans expressing anticipation for upcoming releases and performances. For LGBTQ+ audiences, her story continues to exemplify resilience, as she navigates personal milestones while maintaining artistic output that often explores themes of identity and love. The separation, while amicable, serves as a reminder of the real-life pressures on queer relationships in the public eye, particularly for women like Sandé who prioritize career amid demanding schedules.