X-Factor / Dan Fitch / 05 September 2010 / Leave a Comment

Dan Fitch looks at the X-Factor stars that faded into obscurity as quickly as they shot to fame.

The X-Factor has had it's success stories like Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke and JLS, but the show is just as notable for those contestants who had the glory snatched away from them.

Here are 6 X-Factor stars who faded into obscurity.

6. Tabby Callaghan - Series 1 - Third

When the X-Factor begun, it promised to be a show that would be more open to different styles of music, than it's predecessor.

This presented an opportunity for the Irish rocker Tabby Callaghan (real name 'Trevor'), who finished third in series 1. He auditioned along with his band DZ5, but when they were told that only vocal groups were being considered, Tabby was persuaded to audition once more as a solo performer and was mentored by Sharon Osbourne.

Following Tabby's X-Factor exit, he released a single called 'Number One' which in terms of chart position, didn't do what it said on the tin. An album was recorded with producer/songwriter Mark Hudson, but was scrapped because Tabby wasn't pleased with the musical direction of the record.

These days Tabby has a new band called Slave To A Riff and plans to release the album 'Bread v Art' later this year.

5. Ben Mills - Series 3 - Third

Ben Mills caught the eye of the judges in series three, with an audition that prompted Simon Cowell to label him as sounding like a young Joe Cocker.

Mentored by Sharon Osbourne, the gravely-voiced singer finished third and was signed up to a five-album deal by Sony BMG. His first album 'Picture Of You' was released in 2007, sold over 130,000 and reached number 3 in the album charts. This was not enough for his paymasters and he was dropped from the deal.

Earlier this year, a new album was released on Mills' own label, with the rather pointed name of 'Freedom' and he continues to play small gigs.

4. Journey South - Series 2 - Third

The Middlesbrough based brothers Andy and Carl Pemberton appeared in series two of the X-Factor, where their guitar based pop/rock saw them finish third.

Having left the show, their self-titled debut album was a great success, reaching number 1 in the charts and selling 216,000 copies in the first week of release. It even outsold series winner Shayne Ward's first album.

Yet the following year, Journey South split with Sony BMG and formed their own record label. A single 'What I Love About Home' was released in 2007, but was ineligible for the charts due to a printing error. Their second album 'Home' then limped to a chart placing of 43.

The duo are still working together and performing semi-regular gigs at holiday camps, while Carl Pemberton also teaches guitar in schools.

3. Eoghan Quigg - Series 5 - Third

While series five alumni such as Alexandra Burke, JLS and Diana Vickers have all enjoyed number 1 singles, third-placed Eoghan hasn't been quite so successful.

Simon Cowell's Sony BMG declined to sign him Quigg. His self-titled debut album was eventually released by RCA Records and was described by The Guardian as ""the worst album in the history of recorded sound".

It debuted at a lowly 14 in the album charts and only spent three weeks in the top 100. Quigg was dropped by RCA and is now playing gigs and working on material for a new album.

2. Leon Jackson - Series 4 - Winner

Leon Jackson first sang in public in January 2007. By the end of the year he was the fourth winner of the X-Factor.

It all proved to be too much too soon for the Scot. His debut single 'When You Believe' was the Christmas number one, but subsequent releases fared less well.

With his third single 'Creative' reached a lowly position of 94 in the charts and Jackson was dropped by Sony BMG.

The Michael Buble-soundalike is now reported to have moved in a new direction and working with writers who have collaborated with Paolo Nutini and James Morrison. As yet though, there is no news in regards to Jackson releasing any new material.

1. Steve Brookstein - Series 1 - Winner

The king of the disgruntled X-Factor contestants is the original winner Steve Brookstein and it's not difficult to see why.

His debut single was a cover of Phil Collins' Against All Odds. It sold 200,000 copies, but the winner didn't earn any money from the record.

According to Brookstein, as it knocked Band Aid off the number one spot, Simon Cowell suggested that it should be a charity record too. Brookstein made the mistake of believing the bog brush-haired impresario when he said "Don't worry Steve. I'll look after you..."

Brookstein's debut album of covers followed and also shot to number one, selling 250,000 copies. Despite this success, Brookstein was dropped from his contract with Sony BMG, with Cowell publicly declaring runners-up G4 as the real winners of the show.

A self-released second album followed but failed to make the charts. Brookstein has subsequently played small concerts in Pizza Express restaurants and cruise ships.

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