Leona Lewis
Whether you’re a fan of the X Factor or not, there’s no denying that the show has shaken up the music industry and delivered some successful pop acts along the way. But is winning the show the only route to the top? Listener data from Last.fm shows that in recent years, coming second in the show might now be enough to make it big in the music industry.
Leona Lewis, who took the X Factor crown in 2006, takes 99% of listener traffic on Last.fm versus runner up of the same year - Ray Quinn. The contestants from 2007 paint a similar picture with the runner up Rhydian only getting 3% of listeners compared to Leon Jackson.
But as time marches on, the second place getters begin to gain ground on the winners. In 2008, JLS, who came in second place, account for 43% of listens against the 2008 winner, Alexandra Burke’s 57%. 2009 brought similar results with winner Joe McElderry and runner up Olly Murs getting a 65/35 split in listens.
Tagged in The X Factor