TERRITORY soul singer Jessica Mauboy has admitted her soaring career contributed to the break-up of her three-year relationship.

The gorgeous 19-year-old has spoken out for the first time about her split from Darwin high school sweetheart Abdullah.

Mauboy shot to fame when she was runner-up to Damien Leith on Australian Idol in 2006.

She has pressed ahead with her singing career, and her hit, Burn, is sitting at No. 1 on the Australia iTunes chart.

Mauboy and her former beau met as kids in Darwin and their friendship blossomed into romance.

Check out great pics of Jess showing off her new look

But Mauboy's determination to make it in the music industry saw her spend more time in Sydney.

"I am away for such long periods, and it's just not the same on the phone," Mauboy said.

The decision to split in November was mutual, she said.

"We are still friends," Mauboy said. "We grew up as friends, and we ended it as friends."

She said she was not looking for a new romance. Instead, Mauboy is focusing on enjoying the next phase of her life.

She will perform at the Twenty20 cricket match between Australia and South Africa at the MCG on Sunday.

that's a shame.

thanks Rhonda