Summary

• The X-Factor has launched the careers of some of the biggest names in pop music, including One Direction and Little Mix.
• Winning the show doesn’t always guarantee massive success, as some winners have floundered in their careers.
• The success of contestants from The X-Factor varies, with some becoming social media influencers, hosting television shows, and collaborating with other artists.

The X-Factor is coming back, leading to a reflection on the biggest successes of the reality TV series. Simon Cowell announced The X-Factor would return to the U.S. after a ten-year hiatus, and with it, new music careers will be launched. Whether past contestants won the show or not, the show has been the launching pad for some of the biggest names in pop music, from One Direction to Little Mix, and the show has had a significant impact on the music scene.

Of course, only some people have gone on to have massive careers. However, some of those who won floundered. Nonetheless, many contestants from the show have had massively successful careers. Who are the most successful alumni from The X-Factor?

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10 Stacey Solomon

The X-Factor Season 2

Stacey Solomon might have finished second on The X-Factor, but at this stage of her career, she is better known for being involved in other projects. Stacey won I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! and now works as a host on Loose Women, appearing on various other television shows. All of this has helped build her career, which has allowed her to become a social media influencer. Stacey has an entertaining Instagram account focusing on cleaning and fashion, often entertaining her audiences with creative content.

9 James Arthur

The X-Factor Season 9

James Arthur won the show in 2012, the ninth season of The X-Factor, with the guitar-playing musician wowing audiences with his performances. Since then, he’s released three albums and seven tours, two of which saw him work with other groups such as Westlife and One Republic. He’s had a great career, which will only grow the longer he stays in the industry.

8 Rylan Clark

The X-Factor Season 9

Much like Stacey, Rylan Clark isn’t best known for being a contestant on The X-Factor at this stage in his career. He didn’t even reach the final when he was part of the show in 2012, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a massive success due to his incredible charisma. Rylan was involved in another reality series, Celebrity Big Brother, which he went on to win and skyrocketed his career. He has since been a mainstay on British television, hosting various shows.

7 Sam Bailey

The X-Factor Season 10

Unlike Rylan, Sam Bailey was a victor of The X-Factor, winning the show in Series 10 back in 2013. She was an experienced singer on the show, which helped her, as she stood out amongst the rest. Sam has had an impressive career, working in the pop world and musical theatre. Her first album reached number one in the UK and has also been part of the UK tour of Chicago.

6 Olly Murs

The X-Factor Season 6

Olly Murs didn’t win The X-Factor, finishing as the runner-up in season 6, but Olly was very popular even though he didn’t win. He’s since gone on to create successful music and started a television career. Olly went on to host The X-Factor at one stage in his career, and he now works as a coach on the UK version of The Voice. However, his music career has also continued as well, having released six albums at this stage in his career.

5 Alexandra Burke

The X-Factor Season 5

Alexandra Burke was a powerhouse of a singer, and she smashed her way through the show with impressive ballads and big numbers that showcased her vocal range. Since then, she’s not looked back. Whether touring with Beyoncé or performing in the West End version of The Bodyguard, Alexandra has done it all and built a fantastic career to go along with it. She’s also happily married and has a child.

4 Leona Lewis

The X-Factor Season 3

Leona Lewis is arguably the most iconic winner of The X-Factor and has gone on to have significant levels of success ever since. She has more than proven herself since winning the popular reality show. Leona has created a catchy Christmas song, had her single “Bleeding Love” stay at number one for seven weeks in over thirty countries, and recorded the theme song for the movie Avatar, showcasing her extensive range.

3 JLS

The X-Factor Season 5

Out of everybody involved in The X-Factor, the groups have typically done the best, and JLS is a clear sign of that. The group didn’t manage to win the show, losing out to Alexandra in the end. However, they didn’t let that stop them from carrying on and becoming a huge success. Having sold over 2 million albums across their careers, with some fantastic tours along the way, the group has done great for themselves.

2 Little Mix

The X-Factor Season 8

Little Mix was the first group to win The X-Factor, and they’ve been a true success story ever since. The girls haven’t looked back from their victory, touring the world and selling an impressive number of albums everywhere they’ve gone. Even though Jesy Nelson has left the group, the rest have stuck together and managed to continue making music while she takes time away from the spotlight.

1 One Direction

The X-Factor Season 7

One Direction didn’t even win their series of The X-Factor, but there’s no denying they were the most prominent artists to come out of the show. The group was incredibly successful not just in the UK but all around the world, which has allowed them to thrive. The group is the most successful in the show by some distance. One Direction was definitely The X-Factor‘s greatest success.

Source: Stacey Solomon/Instagram