With every series showcasing the best of British vocal talent, The X Factor has become a veritable hotbed for show business success. Whether a fleeting flash or lasting sensation, every act has had their time to shine... but what happens next? Follow us as we take a tour of series past and discover what life has had in store for the leaders of the pack.
Series 5: Alexandra Burke
Discover what lies in store for the latest singing sensation to emerge from one of the nation's toughest talent competitions here.
Series 4: Leon Jackson
After battling it out with fellow finalist Rhydian Roberts, Leon went on to surprise the bookmakers and win series 4 and a million pound recording contract. His debut single When You Believe reached Number One in the UK, outselling the rest of the Top 10 combined. Shortly after, Leon headlined the massive X Factor arena tour across the UK and his album Right Now reached Number Four in the charts. In 2007 Leon realised a dream, performing with his ultimate idol Michael Bublé in Wembley arena. Having been out of the limelight over the last year, the Scottish vocalist is currently reported to be veering from his jazz roots and experimenting with a new, more guitar-led sound.
Series 3: Leona Lewis
Since wowing the judges and the public with her series-winning performances on The X Factor Leona has gone on to nothing less than world domination as a fully fledged superstar. The North London lass, with a set of lungs to match a champion free diver, has enjoyed seemingly unstoppable success across the globe with her multi-platinum selling debut album, Spirit. Our very own Leona has even succeeded where many other British artists have failed before her and cracked the market across the pond. She was the first ever British artist to reach Number One with a debut album in the U.S. and has earned several Grammy award nominations. With a second album on its way, including collaborations with some of the biggest names in pop, and a rumoured world tour it seems Leona’s star is set to shine for some time to come.
Series 2: Shayne Ward
After being crowned champion of The X Factor 2005 Shayne enjoyed a storming success with his platinum-selling, self-titled debut album. Shayne’s smouldering second album Breathless debuted in the Number Two spot, only just being held off the pole position by the heir to The X Factor throne, Leona Lewis. Since his UK success, the heartthrob has travelled the globe taking his music to Number One across Asia, South Africa and Sweden, leaving throngs of female fans in his wake. Shayne is currently working on his third studio album due to be released this year... so, ladies, watch this space!
Series 1: Steve Brookstein
Following a massive success with his debut Number One album Heart and Soul in 2005, the very first X Factor victor went onto release an album on his own label in 2006, which failed to chart. More recently, in 2008, he could be found treading boards across the UK in a tour of the Madness themed musical Our House… and in other news, the soul singer recently celebrated the birth of his first child Hamish.
Fame and fortune or back to the day job? Discover what happened to some more of your favourite acts from each series: