Marking 20 years since The X Factor first graced our TV screens, we revisit the journeys of its winners, exploring the triumphs and trials that have defined their careers.
It's 20 years since The X Factor took over our TV screens on Saturday nights and since Steve Brookstein became the first winner in 2004, the show has launched the careers of many pop hopefuls.
From chart-topping successes and award-winning albums to abrupt label splits and reinventions, the journeys of these winners have been as varied as they are compelling.
Notable Irish entrants, such as Jedward and Niall Horan, also made significant impacts, both within the show and beyond.
Here's a look at the career highs and lows of The X Factor champions from 2004 to the show’s end in 2018, reflecting on their moments of glory and the challenges they’ve faced in the unpredictable world of fame and music.
2004 - Steve Brookstein
London singer Steve Brookstein won the first series of The X Factor in 2004, but this auspicious start to his career unfortunately didn't pave the way for lasting success in the music industry and he became an outspoken critic of the show. His first single, a cover of Phil Collins’ 1984 classic Against All Odds, and debut album Heart and Soul both went to No 1, but a second single failed to materialise and Brookstein was dropped by the record label just eight months after his X Factor victory. He released his second album 40,000 in 2006 and his third record Forgotten Man in 2014, neither of which made an impact on the charts. In November 2014, he released his book Getting Over The X, which described his journey from winning The X Factor to having the press and industry turn their backs on him.
2005 - Shayne Ward
Manchester singer Shayne Ward won the second series of The X Factor in 2005. His debut single, the original song That’s My Goal, became the Christmas No 1 that year and one of the fastest-selling singles of all time in the UK. Ward’s eponymous debut album followed in spring 2006, going to No 1 in Ireland and the UK, while the follow-up album, 2007’s Breathless, topped the Irish charts. After a three-year hiatus, Ward reemerged with his third album, Obsession, which didn’t perform well, and he was subsequently dropped by record label Syco. In 2015, he independently released his fourth studio album, Closer. That same year, Ward branched out into acting when he was cast as the much-loved character Aidan Connor in ITV’s hit soap Coronation Street, a role he held until 2018. He has since starred in the British crime series The Good Ship Murder.
2006 - Leona Lewis
London-born singer Leona Lewis won the third series of The X Factor in 2006. Her winner's single, a cover of Kelly Clarkson's A Moment Like This, peaked at No 1 in the charts and was the Christmas No 1 that year. She went on to sign a five-album contract with J Records in the US and released her debut album Spirit in 2007, with the lead single Bleeding Love becoming the best-selling single of the year. Her second album, Echo, in 2009, was another runaway success, while her dubstep-infused third studio album, 2012’s Glassheart, marked a new creative direction for the singer. Christmas, With Love, her fourth album, followed in 2013, and her fifth album, I Am, was released by Island Records after Lewis parted ways with Syco, performing middlingly in the charts. Lewis began branching out into the acting world after making her film debut in Walking on Sunshine in 2014 and her Broadway debut in the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats in 2016. She has also had a recurring role in the US TV series The Oath (2019) and in 2021 she joined the Paramount+ show Queen of The Universe as a judge.
2007 - Leon Jackson
Scottish singer Leon Jackson, who was considered an outsider to win, was triumphant on the fourth run of The X Factor in 2007 and landed the coveted £1 million recording contract with Syco. He went on to release his best-selling debut single, a cover of the Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey duet When You Believe, and his debut album, Right Now, followed in 2008. It included the single Don’t Call This Love, which performed well in the charts. He was later dropped from his label in 2009. He has been living in Los Angeles, California, since 2016 and earlier in 2024 revealed that he would be releasing new music this year.
2008 - Alexandra Burke
A star was born when Londoner Alexandra Burke won the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008. Her record-breaking winner’s single, a moving cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, became the top-selling single of the year and the Christmas No 1. Her debut album, Overcome, also topped the charts and featured four No 1 singles in 2009. Her second album Heartbreak on Hold followed in 2012 and her third release, The Truth Is, followed in 2018. Burke also made her stage debut during those years, taking on the lead role in the West End musical The Bodyguard in 2015. In 2016 she led the cast of Sister Act the Musical and in 2017 she was a runner-up on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. More recently she starred in the film Pretty Red Dress in 2022 and she is set to lead the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas.
2009 - Joe McElderry
Joe McElderry won the sixth run of The X Factor in 2009, with his first single The Climb topping the UK and Ireland charts. His debut album Wide Awake was released in 2010 and debuted at No 3 in the UK charts. After parting ways with Syco Records the following year, he went on to win the second series of Popstar to Operastar in July 2011. Later that summer he released his second studio album Classic and it reached No 2 in the charts. He followed it with a festive album Classic Christmas later that year and a fourth album, Here's What I Believe, in 2012, both of which performed well. McElderry continued his reality TV successes when he won the first series of The Jump in 2014. The following year the singer took on the lead roles in the musicals The Who's Tommy and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. His fifth studio album Saturday Night at the Movies was released in 2017. McElderry remains busy performing live across the UK and is also set to star in The Little Mermaid and another production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
2010 - Matt Cardle
Southhampton-born singer Matt Cardle was triumphant in the seventh season of The X Factor in 2010 and his winning single When We Collide topped the UK and Ireland charts. His debut album Letters was released in 2011 which made it to No 2 on the charts. Cardle’s second album The Fire came after he parted ways from Syco, with his third, Porcelain, following in 2013, which featured a duet with Spice Girl Melanie C called Loving You. The singer made his acting debut when he took on the leading role in the musical Memphis in 2015. He has since starred in the West End’s Strictly Ballroom in 2018, Jesus Christ Superstar in 2019 and & Juliet in 2024. According to his social media, his new album The Great Escape is due in January 2025.
2011 - Little Mix
The globally popular, record-breaking and award-winning girl group Little Mix, then consisting of Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson, was formed on the eighth run of The X Factor where they became the first and only girl group to win the series. Their winner’s single, a cover of Irish singer Damien Rice’s Cannonball, topped the UK and Irish charts and the following single Wings was similarly successful. Their debut album DNA followed in 2012 and soon after they landed a North American record deal with Columbia Records. The group’s second album Salute was released in 2013, third Get Weird in 2015, fourth Glory Days in 2016, fifth LM5 in 2018 and sixth Confetti in 2020. In December of that year, Jesy Nelson announced she was departing the group due to mental health struggles. The band continued as a trio before going on a hiatus in 2022 to focus on solo projects.
2012 - James Arthur
James Arthur was victorious on the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012. His winning single, a cover of Shontelle’s Impossible, debuted at No 1 in the charts. His follow-up, You’re Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You, reached No 2 on the charts and was followed by his eponymous studio album in 2013. It was received well but he became embroiled in several controversies, including the use of a homophobic slur in a song, for which he apologised immediately and said he was not homophobic. Arthur released his second studio album, Back from the Edge, in 2015, with the leading single Say You Won’t Let Go topping the charts. His third studio album You debuted in 2019 and peaked at No 2 in the chart. In 2021 he signed with Columbia Records UK and released It'll All Make Sense in the End which performed well. His fifth album Bitter Sweet Love followed in January of this year and peaked at No 1 on the UK charts.
2013 - Sam Bailey
Sam Bailey, a prison officer turned singer, captured the audience's hearts with her powerful vocals and down-to-earth personality. Her debut single, a cover of Demi Lovato's Skyscraper, shot to the top of the Irish and UK charts, and her first album, The Power of Love, also hit No 1 in the UK and No 2 in Ireland. Despite a strong start, her career faced challenges, including parting ways with her record label just a year after her win. Bailey has since shifted focus to musical theatre, starring in productions such as Chicago and 42nd Street. Although she didn't maintain pop chart success, she remains a beloved figure in live theatre and among her loyal fanbase.
2014 - Ben Haenow
Ben Haenow, a former van driver from Croydon, won the 2014 series of X Factor with his rock-influenced vocals and charming personality. His winner's single, Something I Need, topped the UK charts and peaked at No 2 in Ireland. His self-titled debut album featured a duet with Kelly Clarkson called Second Hand Heart. However, after modest commercial performance, Ben parted ways with Simon Cowell's label, Syco, in 2016. Despite these setbacks, he continued to release music independently, maintaining a dedicated fanbase through smaller tours and live performances, carving out a niche in the independent music scene.
2015 - Louisa Johnson
At just 17, Louisa Johnson became the youngest-ever winner of X Factor UK in 2015. Her debut single, Forever Young, had a lukewarm reception compared to previous winners reaching No 9 in the UK charts and No 5 in Ireland. However, Louisa found greater success collaborating on hits like Tears with Clean Bandit. Despite these high points, her solo career struggled to gain momentum, leading to her departure from Syco in 2018. Louisa has continued to release music independently, exploring a more mature sound and building her brand as a versatile artist beyond her X Factor origins.
2016 - Matt Terry
Matt Terry charmed audiences with his soulful voice and emotional performances. His winner's single, When Christmas Comes Around, written by Ed Sheeran, peaked at No 3 on the UK charts and No 28 in Ireland. Despite this promising start, his debut album, Trouble, struggled to achieve commercial success, and he was dropped by his label in 2018. Matt has since transitioned into musical theatre and voice acting, notably appearing in the UK tour of Madagascar – The Musical. While his music career faced obstacles, he continues to perform and remain active in the entertainment industry.
2017 - Rak-Su
Rak-Su, a four-piece group from Watford, made X Factor history by performing original songs throughout the competition, ultimately winning with their catchy tune Dimelo. Their unique approach set them apart, and they enjoyed early success, including a top 10 hit with Dimelo featuring Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy. However, despite their initial impact, the group faced difficulties and eventually parted ways with Syco. Rak-Su continues to create music independently, leveraging their songwriting talent and loyal fanbase to maintain their presence in the music industry.
2018 - Dalton Harris
Dalton Harris, a Jamaican singer with a remarkable vocal range, won X Factor UK in 2018 with standout performances that captivated both judges and viewers. His winner’s single, The Power of Love featuring James Arthur, reached No 4 on the UK charts, but just barely entered the top 40 in Ireland at 35. Dalton’s post-X Factor journey has been marred by management issues and limited musical releases. He has been open about personal struggles, including mental health challenges, and has continued to work on new music and connect with fans, aiming to rebuild his career.
