No.1 for Interviews - Leon Jackson
Leon Jackson
Last year’s X Factor winner chats to Emma Hayley Dixon about life since the show, his new album and what advice he has to offer to this year’s lucky contestants...

When Leon Jackson won The X Factor last year it was shock. The shy boy who first appeared on our screens aged just 18 was so introverted it was hard to imagine him as a popstar. But the British public love an underdog and the kid from West Lothian was certainly that. Week after week he belted out songs in a desperate bid to keep his place in the competition, tough when you consider his main rival was the flamboyant and outgoing Rhydian.

But undeterred Leon stole the spotlight and the recording contract in a nail biting final that saw 12 million viewers tune in. However, we weren’t the only ones who were surprised when Leon proved victorious, Ladbrokes said it was “the biggest shock in the history of reality TV betting,” as the smart money was on Rhydian to win.

It was but a matter of time before rumblings of a fix began, and ITV had another phone vote scandal on their hands. Television watchdog Ofcom received 1900 complaints from viewers who said they couldn’t get through to vote for Rhydian. But Leon’s mum quickly came forward stating that there had been similar problems trying to get through to vote for Leon. The scandal meant that poor Leon barely had a chance to celebrate his win before people were becoming suspicious about a fix. And rival Rhydian showed his displeasure about the whole thing by very publicly snubbing the programme’s aftershow party.
Leon didn’t let it get him down, and although he appears to have kept a low profile over the last six months, he’s been a very busy boy indeed! When we met him a couple of days before The X Factor performance of his new single, it was clear he has grown up since the last time we saw him, yet is still as endearingly shy as ever...

So Leon, what have you been up to for the last couple of months?
In April, I started recording the album, and I moved down to London and started recording the tracks. I share a flat with Andy Williams who was on The X Factor with me. I’ve been working hard on the album, getting all the songs together and making sure it’s all perfect and ready for the launch. I’ve been learning guitar so there’s quite a few songs on the album with guitar in them.

Did you think it was important to move down to London whilst recording your album rather than stay at home in Scotland?
Aye, I needed to be in London because that’s where Sony BMG is so I had to be there. I never had a choice, but it’s great – I’m loving it. Simon Cowell is the head of the record company. I see him from time to time in the office and he‘s spoken about how thrilled he is about what good shape the album’s in. He’s very proud of it.

Do you ever get homesick whilst you’re down there?
I don’t get up as much as I’d like but when I do I see my mum, gran and friends so that’s great.

What can we expect from the new album?
I tried to draw on all my influences in music, I like Jamie Cullen, James Morrison, Duffy and Amy Winehouse. There’s a mixture of genres in there because I tried to create an album that was for everybody in the audience from young people right up to mums and grans. There’s some singer/songwriter elements in it and also some modern jazz elements like Michael Bublé.

Is it quite grueling being in the studio or is it something you really enjoy?
I love it, it’s really great! February and March I was on tour and then in April I started the music right up until September so there hasn’t been a break but I do love it.

Was it exciting getting to film the video for this single?
Yes, it’s in a lovely jazz bar setting. It’s so different from the winner’s single. There was four of those filmed in the one day and we all made the same one because they didn’t know who was going to win. But this time around there’s lots more acting involved which was great, it tells a story. The single is about someone who’s been hurt and deceived.

What did you make of all the controversy surrounding you winning over Rhydian last year?
A lot was going on at the time and I had a lot on my plate so I never really paid attention to it too much. Obviously it’s a bit disheartening but I just had to get on with things. I still speak to Rhydian. I saw him at the record label recently.

And you’re performing on The X Factor this week – are you nervous to appear in front of the judges?
I can’t wait. I think it’ll be different this time around because I’ll be up there as an artist so it’s going to be great to go back.

Have you been watching The X Factor this year?
Yeah, I have. I think Cheryl is brilliant because she took everything into account before judging and didn’t put anyone through for the wrong reason. She’s been through it herself so she understands it on a personal level.

How has your life changed since winning?
It’s totally turned itself around. This time last year I was just moving into The X Factor house. I had no idea at all I’d win and when they said my name I was just shell shocked. Going home for the first time after winning I was so happy to get a good reception. It did feel weird standing in my living room again though because that’s where I first started singing, just in my living room! Now I’m meeting people and experiencing things I never thought I would and I’ve shared the stage with Michael Bublé so it’s been phenomenal.

Do you have any advice for the X Factor hopefuls this year?
I can only tell them what I’ve been through and what to expect because some of them will probably have been singing longer than me and will know what they’re doing. I’d tell them not to be afraid to show everyone how much it means to you and enjoy yourself up there, it’s amazing… smile!

If you could do it all again is there anything you would change?
Nothing. Well, just my haircut in the first round!

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