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Ben Haenow axed by Simon Cowell after latest single fails to chart

It remains to be seen how long latest winner Louisa Johnson will last with Syco after her cover of Bob Dylan's 'Forever Young' missed out on the Christmas number one

Friday 29 January 2016 10:01 GMT

Ben Haenow reached number one in 2014 with his debut single 'Something I Need' (Charlie Forgham Bailey)

The X Factor winner Ben Haenow has been axed by Simon Cowell’s record label Syco shortly after releasing his debut album.

The 31-year-old won the TV singing contest in 2014 and enjoyed a number one single with his debut, a cover of “Something I Need” by One Republic.

His self-titled first album came out last November and peaked at number 10 in the UK charts, but his latest single “Slamming Doors” failed to make the charts.

Haenow has now become the quickest winner to be dropped by Cowell since the show’s first winner Steve Brookstein. He shared the following open letter with fans explaining the news:

Hey guys,

Sorry I’ve been a bit quiet on here recently, been a crazy few weeks!

So I wanted to let you all know directly from me, that after what has been the most incredible experience working on my debut album, myself and Syco entertainment have decided to part ways.

Working with The X Factor and Syco has been the most amazing time of my life and has given me the best possible platform for the start of my career. I have the utmost respect for them both and cannot thank them enough for all the help and everything they have done for me this past year.

I have had the privilege of working with some incredible people, making some great friends and making a great record which I am still extremely proud of. (Which, thanks to you lot has gone on to sell over 100,000 copies and still going.)

Stars praise Simon Cowell

However, after discussions with the Syco team we both felt it was the right time to move on.

I am very excited about this next chapter. I'm already writing and in talks about the next album. There are going to be a few changes to my upcoming tour dates, but I’ll let you know all the details very soon.

Most importantly I would like to say the biggest thank you to all of you! You have all made my dreams come true and I owe you everything. None of this would have been possible without you guys! The ongoing loyalty, love and support you have shown me this past year and beyond has made me the proudest and luckiest person alive.

You are the best fans anyone could ask for and I mean it when I say I really do love you all.

I cannot wait to see you all on the tour!

Stay tuned!

Ben

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

Show all 10

1/10X Factor winners: Where are they now?

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2013: Sam Bailey

The clear winner from the outset, Sam Bailey went on to beat teen singers Luke Friend and Nicholas McDonald. Bailey's cover of Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' went straight to number one on 22 December 2013, becoming the first X Factor winner in three years to gain the Christmas number one spot. Her debut album is due to be released on 24 March. She is also currently pregnant with her third child.

Rex Features

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2012: James Arthur

He secured the biggest-selling X Factor winner's song ever with 'Impossible', but last year's victor James Arthur has been at the centre of controversy recently. Arthur got into a Twitter spat with fellow former contestant Lucy Spraggan when he used a homophobic lyric in a rap. The singer apologised on-air for 'abusing [his] position as an X Factor winner' after a performance on the results show a few weeks ago. Arthur's new single 'Recovery' is currently number 19 in the Official UK Singles Chart.

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2011: Little Mix

Girl band Little Mix are one of The X Factor's success stories. Formerly known as Rhythmix, the group released an autobiography in August 2012 and their debut album came out that November, reaching number three. Little Mix's Perrie Edwards is engaged to One Direction's Zayn Malik which, you know, helps with the the whole fame thing. The band toured earlier this year and have enjoyed US success too. Their latest album Salute was released on 15 November.

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2010: Matt Cardle

Singer-songwriter Matt Cardle performed 'Unfaithful' with Rihanna during the 2010 X Factor finals. He famously criticised Syco for being 'very pop' when he, apparently, wasn't. Shortly afterwards, he left Cowell's label. Cardle returned to the charts when his first album 'The Fire' made number eight and was well-received by critics. He recorded a duet with Spice Girl Melanie C, 'Loving You', in the summer and will be touring new album 'Porcelain' in April 2014.

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2009: Joe McElderry

Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name' famously beat Joe McElderry to the Christmas number one in 2009, following an internet campaign to do battle with Cowell's chart machine. McElderry's luck failed to pick up and he soon found himself winning yet another talent show, Pop Star to Opera Star. Recently, he's enjoyed some success in the classical world and appeared in several West End shows. He is signed with Universal Music's Decca label.

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2008: Alexandra Burke

Alexandra Burke's cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' sold more than a million copies in the UK, a success she followed with five top ten singles and a hit album. Burke has been a brand ambassador for a women's deodorant and signed a modelling contract in 2010. She joined The X Factor as a guest judge during the final of the eight series. The 'Bad Boys' singer has another album out next year but it will be released on RCA records after her recent split from Simon Cowell's label.

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2007: Leon Jackson

'When You Believe' became the fastest-selling single of 2007 when winner Leon Jackson released it before Christmas, but he was dropped in 2009 following poor sales. His third single 'Creative' only reached number 94 in the charts and half his tour dates were cancelled. At present, Jackson is reportedly writing a second album that he will release independently.

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2006: Leona Lewis

She's The X Factor's darling and one of the only acts still with Simon Cowell's label. Leona Lewis enjoyed huge international success after winning the 2006 show and releasing her first single 'A Moment Like This'. Recently, she has struggled, with sales of her latest album 'Glassheart' down steeply from those of her debut in 2007.

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2005: Shayne Ward

After his victory on the second show, Ward achieved the fourth fastest-selling UK single ever with 'That's My Goal'. Several other hits and three albums followed and at one stage, he was reportedly considered to replace Jason Orange in Take That. Ward was dropped six years later to make room for other upcoming stars on Syco's label and has since turned his hand to performing in London musical Rock of Ages with Justin Lee Collins. The Mancunian singer appeared in Dancing on Ice in January 2013 but was eliminated in the fifth round.

X Factor winners: Where are they now?

2004: Steve Brookstein

The first winner of The X Factor, Steve Brookstein scored a number one single with 'Against All Odds' but was dumped by Sony BMG just eight months afterwards for being a one-hit wonder. Since his brief success evaporated, Brookstein has performed on cruise ships and was spotted in 2010 performing in a small Cornish pub for £2.50 a ticket. Brookstein no longer appears in publicity for The X Factor and as a result, he has repeatedly hit out at both the show and Simon Cowell. He is, however, still singing, and has a new album 'Soul Journey' out in February.

It remains unknown how long 2015 winner Louisa Johnson will remain with Syco after her cover of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” failed to score the Christmas number one, as has become customary for X Factor champions.

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