Where are they now? pt 1
06 Aug 08
The X Factor 2007 has been an invaluable route to success for many of the talented stars who appeared in the live shows in 2007. Here's what the finalists are up to now...
Leon Jackson
Voted X Factor winner by public vote
Leon Jackson was crowned champion of The X Factor 2007 and quickly went on to have the fastest selling single of the year with his debut single When You Believe. The single sold 275,742 copies in one week, outselling the rest of the Top 10 combined. Shortly after, Leon headlined the massive X Factor arena tour across the UK, captivating audiences wherever he performed. Leon has spent the last six months recording his debut album with a variety of world class producers. The album, alongside a new single, will be released this October via Syco Music. He lives in London with fellow X Factor finalist Andy Williams.
Rhydian Roberts
X Factor runner-up
Simon Cowell gave rugby-loving Rhydian Roberts a record deal when The X Factor ended. Rhydian joined The X Factor Live Tour before spending time in Sweden, Nashville and L.A. where he worked with top producers including Walter A and Desmond Child. Rhydian has performed in a string of summer shows including a charity gig in Norwich where he met HRH Prince Charles. Rhydian is putting the finishing touches to his debut album which is due out in the autumn.
Same Difference
Placed 3rd
After The X Factor Live Tour, brother and sister duo Sean and Sarah Smith spent the summer of 2008 as ambassadors for the ‘Drip & Drop’ campaign, encouraging young people across the UK to save water. They are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album which has seen them work with the cream of pop production including the legendary Pete Waterman. Their debut single and album will be released this November.
Nikki Evans
Placed 4th
Rumours of West End glory surround the Tamworth mum of two. First on her to-do list, however, is the release of her first download-only single Love Me No More, in August. Niki recently unveiled a new size 10-12 figure after undergoing much-publicised liposuction!
Hope
Placed 5th
The members of girl band Hope are Emily Biggs, Phoebe Brown, Raquelle Gracie, Leah Lauder and Charlie Mole. After being formed at The X Factor bootcamp, the girls continued to work together as a band after the show. They have performed on The X Factor Live Tour, supported both Boyzone and Westlife on their arena tours, as played at shows including the Isle of Wight Festival. The girls have signed a new management deal and hope to release a single before the end of the year.
To discover what's happened to the rest of the contestants, read part two of
The X Factor 2007 - Where Are They Now?