The most remarkable success story from the X-Factor is Leona Lewis, winner of the third series in 2006.
Leona Lewis Cracked America
Leona Lewis was plucked from obscurity in Hackney to international superstardom after winning the talent show with eight million votes cast.
The Londoner has much to thank Simon Cowell for. She was reportedly about to give up her dream of becoming a successful recording artist and was considering enrolling for university when her boyfriend encouraged her to audition for the X-Factor.
After winning Leona released her her debut album Spirit less than a year later. It has sold more than six million copies worldwide to date.
The first single from that album, "Bleeding Love," entered the charts at number 1 in the UK and remained there for seven weeks. It was the biggest selling single of 2007.
Leona was nominated for a number of awards including three Grammys .
But the most coveted achievement in British popland must be landing top spot on the American charts. Leona achieved this feat because of her powerful vocals, the support of Clive Davies, appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show and working with some of the best talents on the American music scene.
Leona is currently recording her second album and due is for a world tour in 2010.
Shayne Ward
He can sing and dance. He has pop star looks. It’s no surprise that Shayne Ward, who won series two, has been called Britain’s answer to Justin Timberlake.
His X-Factor final single "That's My Goal" sold more than 1.3 million singles so far in the UK. It was the Christmas number 1 in 2005.
Shane Ward has released 2 albums which both performed well in the UK, Ireland and in other countries. He undertook a sell out tour and supported Westlife in concert.
Alexandra Burke Took the Crown in Series Five
Alexandra Burke was the latest winner of the £1 million recording contract under Simon Cowell’s recording company Syco music. She beat four lovely lads, JLS, who had a legion of fans. Her victory was due to raw talent, determination and a lot of help from the queen of R&B Beyonce who performed her hit song Listen with the star struck finalist.
Alex is currently working on her debut album.
JLS Topped the Charts
After a convincing loss to Alexandra, JLS worked hard to prove that they had the X-Factor.
Their debut single "Beat Again" went straight to the top in the UK charts and stayed there for two weeks. Their cover version of Rihana’s Umbrella is out. They are currently recording their debut album due later this year.
Leon Jackson Sank in the Charts
Leon Jackson won the X-Factor in 2007. He released his debut album in 2008 but failed to rock the pop charts. He has since been dumped by his record label.
Despite this setback, the lad admits that the X-Factor was for him a positive and rewarding experience.
Stevie Brookstein Fails to Follow Initial Success
Stevie won the first series of the X-Factor in 2004. He released a cover version album which sold well, but following disagreements with Simon and company, they parted company and he went his way.
Other Success Stories
The talent show makes great television viewing for its legion of fans. Its popularity has not waned since its launch in 2004.
It also gives hope to many talented young people. Once a year they get a chance to audition before people in the music industry, specifically the great Simon Cowell, and have a go at making their dream come true.
Alexandra’s success last year showed that there is hope after rejection. In 2005 as a seventeen year old she was selected to proceed to the judges’ house stage. Loius Walsh decided that she was not good enough to make it to his final three and sent her home. In 2008 she came back and won the show.
The show is not a quick ticket to celebrity and easy riches but some losers admit that it offers the best opportunity they could ever have.
A host of X-Factor finalist have since found their lives changed for the better by appearing on the show. In an interview with the Daily Mail, previous finalists, including Laura White and Ben Mills, admitted that the exposure from the show has nudged their careers and lives in the right direction.
Despite criticism leveled against it, the X-Factor is a winning show and can bring success to those who don't give up and continue to work hard after the spotlight shifts away from them.
Sources
James W.Coates, Leona Lewis Scores Number 1 in US, Pop Music
James W.Coates, Leona Leiws' Bleeding Love for US, Pop Music
Wikipedia.org
Dailymail.co.uk
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