After a successful 17 years, the beloved series X-Factor gently ended its journey in 2018. There has been an endless supply of memorable moments during the show’s broadcast. The most incredible memories are those that continue to impact people daily. This impact is possible because the most successful x-factor stars have used the opportunity to launch their fantastic careers generating millions of dollars. Here is a list of the ten most successful contestants of all time, ordered through their current net worth.
James Arthur [$5 million]
This guitar-playing, lady-swooning champion managed to win the 9tth season of the X-Factor in 2012. Although the x-factor audience wouldn’t be the only audience he dazzles, he has gone on seven tours and put out three albums. The single he sang, Impossible by Shontelle, was later recorded by Syco Music and sold 2.5 million copies worldwide. James Arthur’s single is now the most successful in the show’s history.
Stacy Solomon [$5 million]
Luckily for the general public, Stacy Solomon didn’t stop performing after finishing second on the X-Factor. She continued to participate in various other projects, even winning, “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here!” It seems like the game show world has become her home, as she is now a successful talk show host. All this fame has allowed her to generate a small fortune of $5 million.
Ryan Clark [$6 million]
Interestingly enough, Ryan didn’t do so well in the show itself; he didn’t make the finals. Ryan got his success from playing other shows, such as Celebrity Big Brother, which he did win. This victory allowed his career to move forward in leaps and bounds, only accelerated by his charismatic personality. Many argue that if it weren’t for his performance on x-factor, he wouldn’t have qualified for Celebrity Big Brother.
Sam Bailey [$6 million]
Sam Bailey was the victor of the 2013 x-factor and continues to live her dreams as a singer, with the new boost that x-factor had given her. She has gone on to have her debut album reach number 1 on the UK charts and now continues to produce magic in the pop music and theater scene.
Olly Murs [$6 million]
From runner-up to host, Olly Murs has been involved tremendously in the history of x-factor. Now Olly says he is shifting gear and no longer intends to be in the limelight for many things other than his music. When he is not working on his music, he coaches contestants on The Voice Uk.
Alexandra Burke [$8 million]
When most people think of singing, it reminds them of a pastime they secretly indulge in while washing their hair in the shower. Not for Alexandra Burke, who has used this “pastime” to generate a net worth of $8 million. Smashing her way through the show, this powerhouse singer now often goes on tour with Beyonce!
Leona Lewis [$10 million]
Leona is often referred to as the most iconic winner of the x-factor. With a Christmas song, “Bleeding Love,” that took people’s hearts and the number one spot on the charts for 7-weeks in over 30 countries, Leona proved she has a lot to offer and doesn’t plan to back down any time soon. The icing on the cake was when she demonstrated her actual vocal ability in the theme song for the movie “Avatar.”
JLS [$24 million]
Ever since this group stepped on stage, the world knew something special about them. Their hidden potential became more evident as their music careers progressed; with sold-out shows and millions of copies of their albums, the world wanted everything JLS had to offer. That was until the world had to part with the group in 2013. The band has since gotten back together in 2020; now, only time will tell if this “maturing” process served the band well.
Little Mix [$32 million]
Little Mix were the first-ever victors of the x-factor and proved what a power show this could genuinely be. Their win catapulted their careers, and they have gone on to sell millions of albums each year and tour the world like true rock stars! Even though one member, Jesy Nelson, has left the group, the group has continued to stay together, strong, and allowed their music to continue impacting the world.
One Direction [$150 million]
Without a doubt, the most successful group that has ever emerged from x-factor by a long shot, even though they didn’t win their series of the show. Yet, this boy band is a worldwide success, who in some way may have even changed the way the world looks at music from boy bands altogether!
X-factor was a show like no other; the memories and fans across the globe will miss the moments for a long time. We can only hope that in the future, an equivalent show will rise from the ashes and pick up the mantle where x-factor has placed its own—giving artists all over the world a platform to make themselves one of the greats.