After being depicted as an arrogant diva by both media and viewers of her show, Lloyd has continued her rise – she’s now a mother-of-two with plans for a third album on its way out.
At her audition for the inaugural series of X Factor, she stunned everyone with an emotionally powerful rendition of Say Something by A Great Big World that left Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne sobbing uncontrollably.
1. Christian James
Christian James, an Oberlin graduate with a major in composition and ethnomusicology minor, specializes in creating music that explores spirituality, race, and identity through music. Experienced in Hindustani vocal music and Bhakti yoga practices while maintaining a keen interest in Indian culture are hallmarks of his art form.
An X Factor hopeful from Bolton is making waves on the show after moving judges to tears with his heartfelt tribute song to his late brother. While still in Judges’ Houses phase, he took to Twitter and posted his version of Thunder Buddy, an original composition written as an ode to him that will air during a live episode on the show – eventually leading him all the way through to final three!
2. Jade Jones
Jade had all of the judges gasping at her stunning performances during American Idol Season 11. Her emotional rendition of Adele’s Someone Like You left Kelly Rowland sobbing while Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger were left speechless – no one expected such amazing talent. Since then she has gone on to enjoy success with Little Mix, releasing three albums as well as climbing Kilimanjaro for charity.
Little Mix may have found success, yet Jade has had her fair share of difficulties. The show depicted her either as an ambitious diva desperate to emulate Cheryl Cole or as an awkward girl struggling with the spotlight. Jade fought back against body-shaming by taking part in a self-esteem campaign and by posting a video featuring herself rewriting pop lyrics of a popular tune.
In the third series of X Factor, she found herself in the bottom two alongside another act but was saved by public vote. She cried upon being told she would have to leave, later confessing it was one of the hardest weeks of her life.
She made history when she became the first female ever to win The X Factor twice. Following an extremely successful band career and the highest ever position ever achieved by an X Factor winner on a UK singles chart release of their single, she now works as a professional taekwondo coach, wrestler in British Women’s Championship competitions, Celebrity Big Brother contestant and ITV daytime show Lorraine regular as well as being presenter for BBC Radio 1 and 4’s Big Breakfast programs.
3. Michelle McLean
Michelle McLean stunned everyone during her audition of Keri Hilson’s Turn My Swag On and easily made it through to the live shows. While her vocals certainly impressed the judges, it was her touching tribute to her late brother which truly moved them all.
Rebekah Brooks made an emotional impactful performance of Who’s Lovin’ You to honor her son who passed away. Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne couldn’t hold it together during this emotional performance; both women became visibly moved.
On 22 August 2009, public auditions of The X Factor began airing across the UK and were hosted by public auditions hosted by Dermot O’Leary with spin-off shows hosted by Holly Willoughby (X Factor: Boot Camp) and Kimberley Walsh (Xtra Factor: Audition Show). Dermot was once again presenter with The Boot Camp hosted by Willoughby herself and The Audition Show hosted by Kimberley Walsh as spin-off shows.
TalkTalk sponsored the show with break bumpers filmed by CHI & Partners showing light graffiti set against night-time backdrops in and around the UK. This marked the first time in competition history where both main and spin-off shows had a sponsorship deal in place.
4. Rebekah Brooks
Rebekah Brooks appeared nervous on this year’s X Factor judges house. She looked directly into the cameras with that trademark Mona Lisa smile, hinting that something wasn’t quite right with Rebekah but not giving away too much information about herself.
Former Sun Editor Jane Slade-Knowles had a reputation for being ruthless and cunning; yet she was also recognized as being one of Rupert Murdoch’s most powerful editors and an close ally of Prime Minister Cameron. Known as “The Witch of Wapping,” her 22 years as editor were nicknamed accordingly – earning her this moniker due to both ruthlessness and cunning running of their company.
She may not be well-liked by the public, but she’s an astute businesswoman who knows how to make money and maintain power. She was instrumental in News UK for many years before taking on her father’s company – now known as News International – under her father.
She was one of the key figures involved in the phone hacking scandal that has rocked Britain’s media establishment and caused international uproar. Beginning with Milly Dowler’s cell phone being hacked, this scandal quickly escalated into allegations of bribes to police, illegal surveillance of politicians and celebrities as well as cover up at newspapers.
She has become one of the most-maligned figures in the country due to her story, with many people likening her to a villain from Harry Potter movies. Yet she remains well-regarded as a charity worker who supports numerous causes. Great Strides is dedicated to supporting those suffering from eating disorders or self-harm issues.
5. Sam Smith
Sam Smith first came to public notice in October 2012 as the featured vocalist on Disclosure’s single Latch, which reached number 11 in the UK charts and peaked there as well. But it was Smith and Naughty Boy’s performance of La La Land from their Bollywood-influenced single that truly catapulted Smith into mainstream consciousness.
Their dulcet tones and emotive lyrics of love and loss earned comparisons with such legendary artists as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Adele, etc. In 2014 they released their debut album In the Lonely Hour which debuted at number one and won Best British Album at the 57th Grammy Awards; additionally their single ‘Stay With Me’ won Song and Record of the Year awards, further cementing Smith as a global star.
Since then, she has won an array of accolades; these include three BRIT Awards and five Grammys – including Best Pop Solo Performance in collaboration with Kim Petras on Unholy track Unholy; an Oscar and Golden Globe were awarded for her song ‘Writing’s On the Wall’ written for 2015 James Bond film Spectre;
British singer Sam Smith is well-known for their soulful voice and emotional lyrics, but also makes headlines for their personal life. Over the years he has had several relationships with men – one being with Charlie King from The Only Way is Essex in 2015. More recently he began dating model Jay Camilleri before coming out as non-binary using they/them pronouns publicly in 2019. Additionally, Sam is an outspoken supporter of same-sex marriage rights issues by appearing at numerous protests for same-sex marriage rights issues as well.