The X Factor’s Leon Jackson looks unrecognizable, almost 18 years after winning the ITV talent show as a baby-faced 18-year-old.
The singer, now 35, was mentored by Dannii Minogue during the competition’s fourth season in 2007 and released a cover of the Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston duet When You Believe as her winning single, beating Rhydian Roberts to the title. .
But after being dropped by Simon Cowell’s Syco label two years later, the Scottish star moved to Los Angeles and ditched his memorable spiky mullet and hit the gym.
In 2015, Leon began showing off his rippling muscles and striking abs in shirtless photos, while also sporting a sexy stubble.
He swapped his smart suits from his time on the ITV show for relaxed looks as he embraced life across the pond.
The X Factor’s Leon Jackson, 35, looks unrecognizable, almost 18 years after winning the ITV talent show as a baby-faced 18-year-old (R, in 2015).
After being dropped by Simon Cowell’s Syco label two years later, the Scottish star moved to Los Angeles and ditched his memorable spiky mullet and hit the gym.
Reports claimed that her single
Last month, music mogul Simon, 65, faced backlash following Liam Payne’s death, with X Factor’s Katie Waissel declaring “we all know the truth” and Rebecca Ferguson criticizing the “exploitation and speculation of the young stars”.
The former One Direction star fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires last month before doctors confirmed his death.
Katie, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned alongside Liam on the 2010 series of X Factor, named Simon in two statements in which she accused music bosses of focusing on “profits rather than people”.
Simon was a judge on X Factor and signed One Direction to his music label, Syco.
Katie first took to X last month to reveal her heartbreak over her friend’s death, writing: “My heart is completely shattered right now, I am speechless.”
“If Simon Cowell dared to make a statement about the heartbreaking and tragic loss of my dear, dear friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I will make sure it comes to light.’
He later issued a lengthy statement in which he described Liam as “my confidant and my rock’, before focusing on his view on the state of the music industry.
In 2015, Leon began showing off his rippling muscles and striking abs in shirtless photos.
He swapped his smart suits from his time on the ITV show for relaxed looks as he embraced life across the pond.
He also sported a stubble in selfies shared on his social media.
The star has shared information about her life in the US, including her first Thanksgiving.
The singer was mentored by Dannii Minogue during the fourth series of the competition and beat Rhydian Roberts for the title (pictured during the final with Kylie Minogue).
‘Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind and the wisdom of an old soul. “His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Katie wrote.
“His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him, but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.”
“There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often the focus was on profits rather than people.”
‘This industry has treated talent as if it were a commodity, and the neglect of the duty of care has once again caused a heartbreaking loss. We only need to look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits that his biggest regret is not owning the band name.
‘The real regret should be not having prioritized the emotional and physical well-being of the artists who placed their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether for television shows or record deals, carry a legal and moral duty of care that must be respected.’
Katie said her heart “breaks” for Payne’s family and she was “deeply sorry for everything that happened.”
He added: “The change the industry so desperately needs will come and we will honor his legacy until it comes.” Keep singing in heaven, my friend. All my love, Katie.’
Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on his career.
Music mogul Simon, 65, faced backlash following Liam Payne’s death, with X Factor’s Katie Waissel declaring “we all know the truth” (Simon pictured with One Direction in 2010).
Katie said: “If Simon Cowell dared to make a statement about the heartbreaking and tragic loss of my dear, dear friend Liam, he would be a fool.” We all know the truth… and I will make sure it comes out. (Liam pictured in March)
Last month, the singer released her own tribute to Liam on X, writing: ‘It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to the X Factor, young, innocent and oblivious to fame.
‘I can’t help but think of that little boy who was hopeful and looking forward to the bright future that awaited him. If he hadn’t gotten on that train and that taxi, I think he would be alive today.
“I have spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and its effects; many of us still live with the consequences and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).”
‘Many of us are devastated and reflective today that it has finally claimed its first victim. Rest in peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love for your mother and family x.’