The X Factor‘s Leon Jackson looks unrecognisable, 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 series in 2007 and released a cover of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston‘s duet When You Believe as his winner’s single, beating Rhydian Roberts to the title.
But after being axed by Simon Cowell‘s Syco label two years later, the Scottish star relocated to LA and ditched his memorable spiky mullet and hit the gym.
Back in 2015 Leon began showing off his rippling muscles and eye-popping six pack in shirtless snaps, while also sporting sexy stubble.
He swapped his smart suits from his time on the ITV show for laid back looks as he embraced life across the pond.
The X Factor ‘s Leon Jackson, 35, looks unrecognisable, almost 18-years after winning the ITV talent show as a baby-faced 18-year old (R, in 2015)
After being axed by Simon Cowell ‘s Syco label two years later, the Scottish star relocated to LA and ditched his memorable spiky mullet and hit the gym.
Reports claimed his X Factor single sold 40 copies a minute in Woolworths at its peak, but his follow-up track Don’t Call This Love only reached number three and debut album Right Now made it to number four.
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 criticising the ‘exploitation and profiteering of young stars’.
The former One Direction star fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires last month before medics confirmed his death.
Katie, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned alongside Liam on the 2010 series of X Factor, name-checked 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 at her friend’s death, writing: ‘My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words.’
‘If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out.’
She later released a long statement in which she described Liam as ‘my confidant and my rock’, before turning her focus to her views on the state of the music industry.
Back in 2015 Leon began showing off his rippling muscles and eye-popping six pack in shirtless snaps
He swapped his smart suits from his time on the ITV show for laid back looks as he embraced life across the pond
He also sported sexy stubble in selfies shared to his social media
The star has shared insight into his life in the US including his very first Thanksgiving
The singer was mentored by Dannii Minogue during the competition’s fourth series and beat Rhydian Roberts to the title (pictured during 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 everyone 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 remained on profits rather than the people.’
‘This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss. We need only look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits his greatest regret was not owning the band’s name.’
‘The real regret should be the failure to prioritize the emotional and physical welfare of the artists who put their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld.’
Katie said her heart ‘breaks’ for Payne’s family and she felt ‘so deeply sorry for all that you went through’.
She added: ‘The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honor your legacy until it does. Keep singing in the sky, my friend. With all my love, Katie.’
Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Liam and Katie, has previously shared her views that the music industry is hiding ‘awful human rights abuses’ and claimed that she has endured ‘systematic misogyny and bullying’ throughout her 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 dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam , he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all 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 X factor, young, innocent and unaffected by fame.’
‘I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today.’
‘I’ve spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects – many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).’
‘Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken its first victim. Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x.’
