Leon Jackson
Leon Jackson | |
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Syco, RCA Records | |
Website | leonjacksonmusic.com |
Leon Jackson (born 30 December 1988) is a Scottish singer. He won the
Jackson's debut single, "
As of 2016, Jackson has had one UK number one single, two UK top ten singles and one UK top five album and overall has spent a total number of thirteen weeks in the UK Singles Charts top seventy-five with his three charted singles and nine week in the UK Album Charts top seventy-five with his debut album.[4] His winners single, "When You Believe" currently ranks as the seventh best-selling X Factor winners single beating off competition from the likes of Little Mix with "Cannonball", Sam Bailey with "Skyscraper" and Louisa Johnson with "Forever Young".[5] His debut album also ranks as the eighth best-selling debut album from an X Factor winner, beating Ben Haenow with his self-titled debut album and Joe McElderry with Wide Awake.[5]
Life and career
1988–2007: Early life
Leon Jackson was born in
Leon started singing in public in January 2007. He wanted to pursue a career in music so he entered X Factor and, after doing well in the competition, deferred his place at Edinburgh Napier.[8]
2007–2008: The X Factor
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/LeonJackson2007.jpg/220px-LeonJackson2007.jpg)
In 2007, Leon Jackson auditioned for the fourth series of The X Factor in Glasgow, being filmed at the city's Crowne Plaza Hotel. During the show, he was mentored by Dannii Minogue. After progressing through the rounds, he reached the final on 15 December 2007, in which he performed a duet with Kylie Minogue of "Better the Devil You Know", as well as three other songs. After the public vote, he was declared winner, receiving a £1 million recording contract with Simon Cowell's company Syco, a division of Sony BMG.[10]
Jackson was an outsider to win the competition, and his victory was described as "the biggest shock in the history of reality TV betting."[11] X Factor judge Louis Walsh later said that Jackson had won the vote by about 10%.[12] A number of viewers complained to watchdog Ofcom that they were unable to get through to vote for Jackson's rival Rhydian Roberts, but an Ofcom investigation found that Roberts had not been unfairly disadvantaged.[13][14][15] More than 12 million people watched the final of Leon winning. Jackson described winning as "not real".[15]
In December 2007, Jackson was invited to perform with Canadian performer Michael Bublé at Wembley Arena, singing Bublé's "Home" because Bublé was so impressed by his singing ability. Jackson later said this had been the highlight of his life, because Bublé is his idol. Leon was the first and so far only X Factor contestant to perform at Wembley while still in the competition.[16] with Rhydian Roberts the runner-up and Dannii Minogue emerging as the winning mentor.[11]
The series hit the headlines even before recording began. Some of the controversy centred upon whether 14 and 15-year-olds should be eligible to enter, and also on the high-profile dismissals of judge
On 11 February 2008, Jackson began the "X Factor Live" tour in the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland with Rhydian Roberts, Same Difference and the eight other finalists from the 2007 show. They continued the tour in other venues around the UK until 21 March when the tour finished at London's Wembley Arena, thus concluding The X Factor 2007.
The X Factor performances and results | |||
---|---|---|---|
Show | Song choice | Theme | Result |
Audition | “Home” – Michael Bublé | — | Through to bootcamp |
Bootcamp (Part 1) | “Lost” – Michael Bublé | Through to the next day of bootcamp | |
Bootcamp (Part 2) | “Home” – Michael Bublé | Through to judges' houses | |
Judges' houses | “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For” – U2 | Through to live shows | |
Live show 1 | "Can't Buy Me Love" - The Beatles | Number ones | 5th |
Live show 2 | “Home” – Michael Bublé | Film theme | 2nd |
Live show 3 | “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra | Big band | 2nd |
Live show 4 | "Dancing in the Moonlight" - Toploader | 21st century classics | 1st |
Live show 5 | "Relight My Fire" - Take That feat. Lulu | Disco | 1st |
Live show 6 | " You Don't Know Me" - Eddy Arnold
|
Love song | 1st |
Quarter-Final | "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" - Queen | British classics | 1st |
"The Long and Winding Road" - The Beatles | |||
Semi-Final | "The Very Thought of You" - Ray Noble | Mentor's choice | 1st |
“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” – Marvin Gaye | Contestant's choice | ||
Final | "White Christmas" - Bing Crosby with Ken Darby Singers & John Scott Trotter and His Orchestra & Chorus | Christmas song | Winner |
“Better the Devil You Know” (with Kylie Minogue) | Celebrity duet | ||
"You Don't Know Me" - Eddy Arnold | Song of the series | ||
"When You Believe" - Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston | Winners single |
2008–2009: Right Now
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Jacksoninbirgminahm.jpg/220px-Jacksoninbirgminahm.jpg)
Jackson's debut single, a cover of the
Jackson appeared as a celebrity guest on the first live episode of
Right Now was released on 20 October 2008.
In July 2008, Bublé again invited Jackson to join him on stage at the
The album sold 130,000 copies and Jackson was dropped from the Sony BMG label.[36] Jackson proceeded to work with writers who have worked with Paolo Nutini and James Morrison. Jackson said that he was focusing on preparing for an upcoming concert tour of the UK, which would take place in May and June 2009.[37]
Scottish singer and songwriter
2010–11: Departure from Sony and second album
In 2009, Jackson confirmed that he was working on a brand new studio album which would be more acoustic in style, different from the jazz and soul genre of his debut album Right Now.[42] Even though Jackson has failed to find another record deal since he got dropped by his label Sony BMG in March 2009, he hopes to release the album independently.[43]
Leon travelled to Los Angeles in May 2010 to work with songwriters to come up with tracks for his new sound. He worked with artists, including Ernie Halter, to create piano and guitar led songs, as well as writing some himself. Whilst in L.A, he also performed at 'The Gypsy Lounge' with American artists.[44]
In May 2010, Jackson was announced as the 2nd biggest reality TV flop, winning 76% of the 1,300 people polled, losing out only to Steve Brookstein.[45][46][47] He has vowed never to perform When You Believe again, calling his X-Factor success a curse[48] and revealing he was no longer in contact with former mentor Dannii Minogue or Simon Cowell subsequent to being dropped by Syco Music.[49] Jackson said he felt "crushed" by Cowell after finding out through the newspaper that Cowell had dropped him.[50]
Jackson then announced a summer tour in 2010 where he would perform his new acoustic sound. The first date was at the Half Moon, Putney, London on 8 June. Leon performed guitar and piano-led songs.
On 16 February 2011, Jackson attended the 2011
2012–2016: Songwriting
Jackson co-wrote The Voice UK's contestant Vince Kidd's debut single - "Sick Love" - along with Kidd.[56]
2016―present: Second album and charitable causes
As of 2016, Jackson has been residing in Los Angeles, California in the United States where he is writing and recording new music for a second studio album, however, as of September 2021, a release date or any further information about a forthcoming album has still to be announced.[57] Jackson released a statement on his website in 2016 to fans, highlighting the reasons for Jackson's absence from the music industry following the release of his debut album in 2008. Jackson claimed that he felt he needed time to "evaluate everything that happened" and that he had to "fall in love with music again".[57]
Jackson has committed time and his influence to charitable causes, including raising money for the Glasgow Children's Hospital.[58]
Other ventures
Jackson supports the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), a Scottish charity established to provide hospice services in Scotland for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. According to Jackson's own website: “As far as team Leon is concerned music is about life not the other way round. It’s a privilege to be able use your gifting to bring joy to people, travelling and paying the bills is a bonus".[59]
Following Jackson's X Factor win in 2007, Jackson appeared in his own web series, Leon's Life, which was solely broadcast on the
Award show appearances
In April 2008, Leon Jackson was awarded the
In May 2011, he was nominated at the Johnnie Walker Blue Label "Great" Awards.[62]
Concert tours
Headlining
- The X Factor 2008 Tour (2008)
- Right Now (2009)
- Live & Acoustic 2010 Summer Tour (2010)
- Watchet music festival (2011)
Supporting
- Sandi Thom 2009 Homecoming Scotland Tour (Support act in Glasgow)
Discography
Studio albums
- Right Now (2008)
Filmography
- Leon's Life (2007–2008): Himself[1]
See also
- List of artists who reached number one in Ireland
- List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart
References
- ^ a b "Profile from Leon Jackson". bebo.com. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "Leon Jackson - Biography - Billboard". Billboard.com.
- ^ a b c d "2000s Singles Chart Archive". everyHit.com. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "LEON JACKSON - full Official Chart History - Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com.
- ^ a b "The biggest X Factor winner's singles revealed". officialcharts.com.
- ^ "X-Factor Leon has singing in his genes". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. 15 October 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2007.
- ^ "Karaoke Changed X Factor Leon's Life". Sunday Mail. 25 November 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2007.
- ^ a b "Student life goes pop for X Factor favourite". The Scotsman. 19 October 2007. Archived from the original on 10 January 2009. Retrieved 15 December 2007.
- ^ "X Factor: Leon Jackson". Unreality TV. 1 October 2007. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the originalon 17 December 2007. Retrieved 16 December 2007.
- ^ a b "Leon Jackson takes X Factor crown". BBC News. 16 December 2007. Retrieved 16 December 2007.
- ^ Dowell, Ben (18 December 2007). "Walsh defends The X Factor result". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 18 December 2007.
- ^ "Ofcom Broadcast Bulletin, Issue number 108, 8 May 2008" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 December 2009.
- ^ "Ofcom: Leon's 'X Factor' win was genuine". Digital Spy. 8 May 2008. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Leon Jackson takes X Factor crown". BBC News. 16 December 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ "Dream for Leon as he sings with hero". Edinburgh Evening News. 6 December 2007. Retrieved 17 December 2007.
- ^ "Simon Cowell Reveals Why He Sacked Kate And Louis". Unreality TV. 11 March 2007. Archived from the original on 11 June 2007. Retrieved 25 June 2007.
- ^ "Kate Thornton faces 'X Factor' axe?". Digital Spy. 25 October 2006. Retrieved 25 June 2007.
- ^ "Leon Jackson takes X Factor crown". BBC News. 16 December 2007. Retrieved 17 December 2007.
- ^ "Leon Jackson Heading For Christmas No1 Spot". Daily Record. 20 December 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
- ^ "Leon set for Christmas number one". BBC News. 19 December 2007. Retrieved 22 December 2007.
- ^ "Leon "guaranteed" Xmas No 1, say bookies". Digital Spy. 17 December 2007. Retrieved 18 December 2007.
- ^ "Leon Jackson – Don't Call This Love". acharts.
- ^ "Leon's album's out now!". Leon Jackson's Official Website. Archived from the original on 26 October 2008.
- ^ "Top 40 Albums Archive: Week 50 : 26/10/2008 – 01/11/2008". The Official UK Charts Company.
- ^ "Top 40 Albums Archive: Week 51 : 02/11/2008 – 08/11/2008". The Official UK Charts Company.
- ^ "Top 40 Albums Archive: Week 52 : 09/11/2008 – 15/11/2008". The Official UK Charts Company.
- ^ "Top 40 Albums Archive: Week 01 : 16/11/2008 – 22/11/2008". The Official UK Charts Company.
- ^ a b "Leon Jackson – Right Now". acharts.
- ^ "The Official Charts Company – Leon Jackson – Creative". Official Charts Company.
- ^ [1] [permanent dead link]
- ^ "Leon Jackson – When You Believe". Official Charts Company. 29 December 2007. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "Michael Buble and Leon Jackson Sing Lost in Glasgow". Hollywood Grind. 5 December 2008. Archived from the original on 20 December 2008. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
- ^ "Leon Jackson To Perform at Edinburgh Hogmanay". Unreality TV. 22 December 2007. Archived from the original on 2 May 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "X Factor: Leon Jackson Pulls Out Of Hogmany Celebrations". Unreality TV. 31 December 2007. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "X Factor winner Jackson dropped". BBC News. 20 March 2009.
- ^ "Same Difference cancel their tour – X Factor News – Reality TV". Digital Spy. 23 January 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ Lyons, Beverley (11 February 2009). "Exclusive: Sandi Thom lines up Leon Jackson as surprise guest at Scots gig". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 13 February 2009. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ "Same Difference cancel tour dates – but they'll still play Portsmouth – Portsmouth News". Portsmouth.co.uk. 22 April 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "Leon Jackson cancels live shows – X Factor News – Reality TV". Digital Spy. 23 April 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "Leon Jackson 'develops new sound' – Music News". Digital Spy. 14 May 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ a b "Home | The Official Leon Jackson Site". Leonjacksonmusic.com. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "News | Leon Hits America | The Official Leon Jackson Site". Leonjacksonmusic.com. 13 May 2010. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "Brookstein voted 'biggest reality flop' – X Factor News – Music". Digital Spy. 10 May 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "Steve Brookstein named biggest reality flop of all time – X Factor 2011 | The X Factor 2011 by TellyMix". Xfactor.tellymix.co.uk. 11 May 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "Brookstein is voted top pop flop". Metro.co.uk. 13 May 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "Scots singer Leon Jackson says X Factor fame was curse on career". The Daily Record. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "X Factor star Leon Jackson: I was snubbed by Danni". Sunday Mercury. 18 July 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ Harmsworth, Andrei (13 September 2010). "X Factor star Leon Jackson hurt by Simon Cowell's rejection". Metro.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "News | Half Moon – London Gig | The Official Leon Jackson Site". Leonjacksonmusic.com. 6 April 2010. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "News | Glasgow ABC Gig | The Official Leon Jackson Site". Leonjacksonmusic.com. 6 April 2010. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "News | O2 Academy 3 Birmingham Gig | The Official Leon Jackson Site". Leonjacksonmusic.com. 24 April 2010. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ "News | 2011 Brit Awards | The Official Leon Jackson Site". Leonjacksonmusic.com. 16 February 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "News | Party in the Park: Announcement | The Official Leon Jackson Site". Leonjacksonmusic.com. 13 April 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "Where are they now - the careers of EVERY X Factor winner". Chroniclelive.co.uk. 29 July 2021.
- ^ a b "X Factor's Leon Jackson undergoes dramatic transformation". Hellomagazine.com. 3 February 2016.
- ^ "The X-Factor: The First 10 Winners - Where Are They Now?". Screen Rant. 25 April 2021.
- ^ "Bio | The Official Leon Jackson Site". Leonjacksonmusic.com. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "Leon Jackson Checks in After 'X Factor' Performance". popdirt.com. 14 October 2008. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ "Leon Jackson has X Factor for Award Win". Edinburgh Evening News. 1 April 2008.
- ^ "Twitter / Leon Jackson: Attending the Johnnie Walk". Twitter.com. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Official Website Archived 24 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine
- Leon Jackson at IMDb