Can you remember who won X Factor even last year? From The X Factor 2016 winner to the very first, we look at where the X Factor UK winners are now…
After The X Factor 2017 final aired last weekend, we take a look back over the winners of series’ past with now twelve names taking the title of X Factor champion.
But who will be joining the hall of fame this year?
Steve Brookstein
Series 1, 2004 – Steve made a comeback in 2014 with self-funded album Forgotten Man. The same year Steve also wrote and released a book about his time on The X Factor and, more interestingly, afterwards, called Getting Over The X. It’s worth a read.
Shayne Ward
Series 2, 2005 – Despite initial chart success, Shayne was dropped by Syco and moved into musical theatre with appearances in We Will Rock You. Since then, Shayne has made his soap debut with a new acting role on Coronation Street and went on to scoop a National Television Award for Best Newcomer.
Leona Lewis
Series 3, 2006 – Leona was the first of X Factor’s winners to achieve major success but she’s since made the switch to musical theatre after leaving her new label, appearing in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats on Broadway.
Leon Jackson
Series 4, 2007 – You may be forgiven for asking Leon who? The Scottish X Factor winner is possibly the most invisible of all the artists to come out of the X Factor franchise. After achieving the obligatory No 1 single Leon seemed to go all scotch mist.
Alexandra Burke
Series 5, 2008 – Following a split with her record label, things have gone very quiet for Alex on the charts front as she instead focuses on the stage. After appearing in The Bodyguard Musical, Alex took up the lead role in Sister Act. She’s now competing in Strictly Come Dancing.
Joe McElderry
Series 6, 2009 – Like Alex, Leona and Shayne, Joe has also moved into musical theatre and last summer took the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat alongside BGT singer Lucy Kay. Joe will continue in the role in a special production this Christmas.
Matt Cardle
Series 7, 2010 – After three albums post X Factor, Matt last year – yup, you’ve guessed it – moved into musical theatre as he joined Memphis the musical. This year however he hit the road with is headlining Intimate and Live Tour, releasing a live album shortly after. Matt recently re-signed to Sony Music with a new album expected soon.
Little Mix
Series 8, 2011 – Little Mix were the only group to win The X Factor until this year and are now the oldest winners from the show who are still going in the charts. The group’s single Shoutout To My Ex gave the girls their fourth Number 1 while album Glory Days also went to the top spot. They were back on The X Factor final last weekend to perform again!
James Arthur
Series 9, 2012 – In 2015 James made a return as he announced a new record deal with Columbia Records, following his split from Simon Cowell’s Syco label. James’ comeback proved a big hit with single Say You Won’t Let Go making it to Number 1 and seeing him resigned by Simon. James’ new album Back From The Edge followed his single to the top spot. He recently concluded a massive arena tour.
Sam Bailey
Series 10, 2013 – Sam is yet another X Factor winner who’s enjoyed success in musical theatre, joining the cast of Chicago. Sam followed her stint on stage with self-funded album Sing My Heart Out which reached Number 33 in the charts.
Ben Haenow
Series 11, 2014 – Having signed to Syco, Ben released his debut album last year to chart in the Top 10 following a new single featuring Kelly Clarkson but at the start of 2016 it was announced that Ben had been dropped from Simon’s Syco label. He’s since bounced back with a string of tours and releases, including new single Alive.
Louisa Johnson
Series 12, 2016 – Louisa’s career post X Factor didn’t get off to the best of starts, becoming the first winner to NOT get a number one. In fact, her winner’s song managed only number 9. Since then Louisa has enjoyed a spell in the Top 5 thanks to a collaboration with Clean Bandit on summer smash Tears. She’s yet to release her debut record.
Matt Terry
Series 13, 2017 – Matt released an original winner’s song written by Ed Sheeran last year. He released his debut album Trouble last month, although it become the lowest charting of any champ so far, debuting at Number 29.
The X Factor airs on ITV.
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