Throughout the years, The X Factor has birthed a number of incredible stars. Showcasing their talent on the show, they've gone from your everyday person to global sensations, hitting the top of the charts not just in the UK, but in countries across the world. Now, Simon Cowell is shaking up the hit show by bringing back a selection of his finest and most memorable contestants, for a series dubbed The X Factor: All Stars. Though the lineup hasn't yet been finalised or officially confirmed, we've gone back and picked out seven acts we hope will make a comeback when it comes to screens later this year...
7. Alexandra Burke
Is there anyone in the whole of Great Britain who hasn't seen Alexandra Burke's duet with Beyoncé during the fifth season of The X Factor back in 2008? It was one of the most jaw-dropping collaborations the series has ever hosted, and if viewers were in two minds about making Alexandra their winner, the performance sealed the deal.
Though her career following her win at first took off to stellar heights, the UK charts haven't welcomed Alexandra back for some time. She has, however, enjoyed success in the theatre, taking on the role of Rachel Marron in the stage version of The Bodyguard. Having seen the show and Alexandra's portrayal in person, I can honestly say she still has one of the best voices of any modern-day British artist. To see her compete once more on All Stars would be a real treat.
6. Jedward
They may have been known as the joke act of the competition, but Jedward's infectious personality is something that's hard to deny. They used the platform of The X Factor to launch a hugely-successful career, winning fans across the globe, and cementing a legacy that some of the show's winners haven't even been able to do. If Simon Cowell is looking to bring a bit of fun to proceedings, then Jedward must be at the top of his list of calls to make...
5. Fleur East
She may not have won the competition the first time around, but Fleur East's incomparable vocal talent mixed with her stage presence and dance skills, make her one of the immediate frontrunners if she decides to make an X Factor return. She recently showcased her charming personality on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, and impressed us all when she released the addictive single Sax, so to see her get another shot at the X Factor crown would be a blessing!
4. Shayne Ward
He's been so heavily rumoured for the show, that it would be more of a shock if Shayne Ward didn't turn up for All Stars at this point! The winner took home the title in the show's second season, proving that he was more than just a pretty face with his gorgeous vocals. In recent years he's turned to acting, taking up a lead role in Coronation Street that would conclude in his character taking his own life, and shining a light on the very serious real-life problem of male suicide. Now, he could be prepping for a return to the music scene; and it's something we'd be incredibly grateful to see!
3. Honey G
Another act who made it through the series as more of a fun act than anything serious, Honey G took Britain by storm with her hilarious on stage antics, even taking part in the Mannequin Challenge on a live show! At one point, it looked like the country might just troll Simon Cowell and let the rapper win, but eventually she was eliminated. If the boss is looking to tick all boxes when it comes to different genres, then he better keep Honey G on speed dial!
2. James Arthur
Coming out on top in one of the closest-fought finals in the show's history, James Arthur is to this day still releasing music that storms the charts. He's had a couple of controversies that have risked his career coming to a screeching halt, but shown personal growth when it matters. Taking part in All Stars would allow him the opportunity to show the whole country that he's still the singer they all took into their hearts, back in 2012.
1. Leona Lewis
Arguably the best vocalist to have come from The X Factor, Leona Lewis enjoyed a very successful career following her win in 2006. Unfortunately, the love for her voice seemed to fizzle out in the UK, and recent releases haven't done as well as Leona truly deserves. Hopefully, if she does make a comeback, audiences will realise just what they've been missing out on, and Leona can make a return to the top of the charts!
The X Factor: All Stars is expected to air in place of the original show towards the end of 2019.
Tagged in The X Factor