‘The X Factor’ UK: Former champ James Arthur re-signs with Syco after recent success
Given how often we all write about artists from “The X Factor” who end up leaving Simon Cowell’s Syco label due to a lack of success after the show, it only feels appropriate at present to actually recognize someone who managed to make it back into the fold. Specifically, we’re talking about former winner James Arthur.
Years ago, Arthur had some reasonable success following his time in the competition, with several singles faring reasonably well on the charts. With James, his biggest problem was never his lack of talent; it was the controversy that surrounded many of his comments made after the show. You can argue that he wasn’t quite ready for the spotlight or he was struggling with the pressure of it all, but we’re not James. Therefore, it feels like the wrong move to try to get inside of his head and figure out what he was feeling at any given moment.
Now, following the success of his new single “Say You Won’t Let Go” and also a refined image, James is doing something that no other winner has ever done before: Re-sign with Syco and try to get the career back on track. Per The Sun, here is what a source close to him had to say:
“Over the last few years James has kept in touch with Simon. Simon has always thought James is a real talent but as soon as he heard the record he made up his mind to re-sign him.
“James has grown up a lot and realises he made mistakes in the past. Simon knows this. Syco will distribute James’s new album in the UK when it comes out later this year.”
Do we think that there is a chance for James to have a long-term future now? Certainly there’s a shot, but he has some more work to do. One of the most interesting things moving forward will be seeing if he manages to come back on “The X Factor” proper for a performance.
If you want to preview this weekend’s new episode of the show right now, be sure to head over to the link here! Also, sign up over here to score some other TV news on everything we cover via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ITV.)