Cowell: X Factor winner might flop

Mon Sep 14 12:35PM by TV Editor

Simon Cowell

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Simon Cowell has warned that the winner of this year's X Factor might not go on to have a successful pop career.

The X Factor judge told The Sun that he believes there is only a 50 per cent chance of whoever triumphs becoming internationally successful.

He said: "We can't guarantee that they will be an international star. There is a 50/50 chance that they are going to make it. Sometimes it doesn't work.

"The music business is hard. Trying to find a star with long-term appeal is not an easy job. But they will have a better chance of being a star after being on this show."

The previous winners of The X Factor have had mixed success after appearing on the show. While Leona Lewis went on to enjoy massive success in the US, Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson were both dropped by their label after just one album.

Last year's winner Alexandra Burke enjoyed a number one hit with her first single Hallelujah and all eyes will be on her when she releases her debut album later this year.

What do you think of Simon's comments?  Do you think The X Factor will ever find another Leona Lewis? Who are your favourites from this year's show? Let us know...

- More TV: What's on later? | The X Factor | Strictly Come Dancing

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User comments

  • (1)

    No mention of Shane Ward?

    Posted by: rogergough on Mon Sep 14 01:16PM | Report abuse
  • (2)

    Of Course it's a 50/50 chance - they either make it or they don't....... Only the good ones will survive.....

    Posted by: kathyhubble on Mon Sep 14 01:28PM | Report abuse
  • (3)

    His comments are honest. Its too easy to assume that winning a reality show - whichever one - automatically leads to fame and fortune. What winning the show, or being in the final half-dozen, does is bypass the guesswork out of knowing how to be heard. After that its down to luck, not being the same as everyone else, and having staying appeal. Leona Lewis is an exception to the rule.

    Posted by: gillianosler on Mon Sep 14 01:29PM | Report abuse
  • (4)

    i think theres alot of potential tallet from what ive seen so far, however i truley believe that the album tracks and future releases of whomever wins is a massive factor that can break or make a potential star, if they pick the wrong songs then theyre doomed, they should go to the likes of diane warren for tracks she's probably the best song writer there is

    Posted by: jeancooper3 on Mon Sep 14 01:33PM | Report abuse
  • (5)

    Who cares ?

    Posted by: ahmed.laher on Mon Sep 14 01:33PM | Report abuse
  • (6)

    who cares !!

    Posted by: wcoulson on Mon Sep 14 01:34PM | Report abuse
  • (7)

    Simon Cowell knows the business inside out. For as much as people may not like him, or his opinion at times, he's usually right!

    Posted by: f456farrfamily on Mon Sep 14 01:34PM | Report abuse
  • (8)

    I don't even like Leona Lewis but obviously Cowell did, so much for taste

    Posted by: sunburystores on Mon Sep 14 01:39PM | Report abuse
  • (9)

    dffgdg

    Posted by: omolola.ajayi on Mon Sep 14 01:42PM | Report abuse
  • (10)

    I definately agree with Simon, sometimes when watching the show I honestly don't know how he and the other judges can keep a straight face with the so called singers, they are either tone deaf or deluded if they think they can sing, but at least with Simon you get a straight answer, I personally think tha HE HAS THE X FACTOR

    Posted by: kathleenwilkie on Mon Sep 14 01:45PM | Report abuse