‘The X Factor’ UK: 2013 winner Sam Bailey dropped by Syco

Unfortunately, many familiar with “The X Factor” probably saw this bit of news coming. Over the weekend, it was confirmed that Sam Bailey, the champion of the 10th season of the show airing back in 2013, has been dropped by her record label Syco. This is the label owned and operated by Simon Cowell, and there are many other former winners before her who have been dropped. James Arthur is of course one of the most recent.

Sam’s career started decently enough when her winner’s single “Skyscraper” sold fairly well, as did her debut album “The Power of Love.” The problem is that with it being mostly covers, there really was no staying power and attention started to wane quickly. It ultimately never felt like she was going to have a chance with the label in the long term; without airplay, you really need to be an international star like Susan Boyle to maintain something at the label.

In a statement per the Daily Mail, a rep for the record company had the following to say:

“Sam Bailey is no longer with Syco … Everyone wishes Sam all the best for the future. After discussion, it was just felt it was the right time to follow different paths.”

Sam also responded to talk about the news on Twitter, saying that she is happy to be able to try to work on an album of original music. Her philosophy here is understandable, since you get into this business to sing original music rather than covers. We do think that she has a more difficult road ahead for her without the Cowell team behind her, but who knows? Anything is possible, and even if she does not become a global superstar, she may still have a great life and career regardless.

Being dropped is almost expected these days if you win a talent show, unless you fit into the sort of 16-24 demographic that many labels want now. If you look at most of the artists on Syco with success (Boyle excluded), many of them are “X Factor” alum who were young on the show, and have had time to grow and cultivate their music since. One Direction, Little Mix, and Ella Henderson are all examples of that.

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