Winners of “The X Factor” and What They’re Doing Now

Some performers have an indescribable presence on stage and a talent that sets them miles apart from the rest. You know it when you see it and hear it. That’s what the show, “The X Factor,” is all about. Contestants audition to participate, singing their hearts out in hopes they can gain recognition and ultimately win a recording contract to pursue their singing career dreams. In this show, contestants don’t just perform for the judges. They huddle under the wings of each judge, each of whom serves as a mentor. 

Immediately following the audition, contestants move into a boot camp period. Then there’s a challenge and the live shows begin. Judges initially had four categories to work with. They included boys, girls, over 30s, and groups. Later, those categories were altered. Although the judges are heavily involved during the boot camp period and in the live shows, “The X Factor” takes it a step further and invites the audience to vote publicly. This interactive feature of the show popularized it, making audiences feel like they were a part of it. (Read about every winner of “The Apprentice.”)

To compile this list of winners of “The X Factor,” 247 Tempo reviewed several sources, including professional websites, social media channels like Instagram and X, and music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. 

Steve Brookstein

• Show: “The X Factor” (Australia)
• Season: 1
• Year: 2005

He’s an English singer with a distinctive soulful sound that earned him the first win on season one of “The X Factor” (Australia). His song choice for his winning performance was “Against All Odds”  by Phil Collins. At the time, Simon Cowell, a judge on the show, called him the next Robbie Williams. Steve Brookstein saw success after his win with his first album, “Heart and Soul,” which made it to the top spot on the UK charts. But sales declined and his second album only reached 165 on the charts. Today, 20 years after his win on the show, Brookstein has settled in Scotland with his family. He still performs covers on occasion in small venues.

Altiyan Childs

• Show: “The X Factor” (Australia)
• Season: 2
• Year: 2010

Australian singer-songwriter, Altiyan Childs, skated through season two of the show, never finding himself in the bottom two, and instead receiving constant praise for his performances each week. Childs sang “Somewhere in the World,” for his last performance. He won a record contract with Sony Music Australia following his win and his final song was subsequently released as his first single. Childs is known for his elusive behavior, having lived in a cave in Sydney at one time in his life. In 2020, he reappeared after 10 years on “The Morning Show,” announcing a comeback. Most recently, he’s been outspoken about his belief in God, sharing that “A life without Christ is meaningless.”  

Reece Mastin

• Show: “The X Factor” (Australia)
• Season: 3
• Year: 2011

He’s an English-born Australian singer-songwriter who had recorded an EP before he auditioned on the show. He chose “Good Night” as his winner’s song and was signed with Sony Music Australia. He released his winner’s song and it immediately shot to success, which turned it into the fastest-selling digital single for the record company. Mastin went on to release three albums and most recently in 2022, he embarked on a “10 Year Anniversary Tour.” He continues touring today, currently making his way through New Zealand.

Samantha Jade

• Show: “The X Factor” (Australia)
• Season: 4
• Year: 2012

She’s a singer-songwriter who became the first woman to win on the show. Samantha Jade learned what it feels like to fall into the bottom two in the show, but she was quickly saved when the judges eliminated the other party and then again via deadlock. Today, Jade identifies herself as a singer, songwriter, and actress. She makes herself available for bookings through her management team. 

Dami Im

• Show: “The X Factor” (Australia)
• Season: 5
• Year: 2013

She’s a singer-songwriter who auditioned with Mariah Carey’s “Hero” and progressed onto the rest of the show. Her winner’s song was “Alive,” which she subsequently released as a single. Im shares her music on Spotify, she’s written a book called “Dreamer,” and she continues performing live, announcing any available tour dates on her website. 

Marlisa Punzalan

• Show: “The X Factor” (Australia)
• Season: 6
• Year: 2014

Marlisa Punzalan was the youngest contestant to win “The X Factor” (Australia). She auditioned with the song, “Yesterday,” by The Beatles and won the judges over. Her talent along with her vivacious personality won over audiences, and public votes helped her win when the judges went into a deadlock. Two years ago, Marlisa signed with Osetero Limited. She recently announced on her Instagram page that her latest single, “Unstoppable” is set to be released on April 12. 

Cyrus Villanueva

• Show: “The X Factor” (Australia)
• Season: 7
• Year: 2015

Cyrus Villanueva released his debut studio album the same year as his win on the show. His cover of the song, “Wicked Game,” (along with a stellar piano performance) earned him the win. In 2020, he became an independent artist and released a new single called “I’m Sorry.” In 2021, he released an EP called “Had, Lost.” Most recently, Cyrus announced on his Instagram page that he would be partnering with Suntory Toki for a limited event series in April of 2024.

Isaiah Firebrace

• Show: “The X Factor” (Australia)
• Season: 8
• Year: 2016

Adele’s “Hello” was his chosen audition song, which got him onto the bootcamp portion of the show. Isaiah Firebrace then performed “Wake Me Up” by Avicii and chose “It’s Gotta Be You” as his winner’s song. This song made it to the 26th spot on the Australia Singles Chart. The same year as his win, he released his self-titled debut album, “Isaiah.” Firebrace is now a platinum record artist, a producer, songwriter, and a best selling author. Most recently, he recorded a cover of “Made for Me” by Muni Long.

Edita Abdieski

• Show: “The X Factor” (Germany)
• Season: 1
• Year: 2010

Edita Abdieski auditioned with “Tell Me ‘Bout It” by “Joss Stone. Her winner’s song was “I’ve Come to Life,” which was released as a part of her debut studio album, “One.” In 2011, she went on her first club tour. She identifies as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, vocal coach, and speaker. Most recently in March of 2024, Abdieski teased at something new, saying “Can’t wait to tell you what project I’m currently working on.”

David Pfeffer

• Show: “The X Factor” (Germany)
• Season: 2
• Year: 2011

The show propelled David Pfeffer into fame after he performed “You Found Me” by The Fray during his audition. During the last live show, he performed “The Reason” by Hoobastank. His winner’s song was “I’m Here,” which was made available for download. Shortly after, Pfeffer released his debut album, “I Mind.” His music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and more. Most recently, he announced on Instagram that he will soon have his own studio, which he has been steadily building for some time.

Mrs. Greenbird

• Show: “The X Factor” (Germany)
• Season: 3
• Year: 2012

Mrs. Greenbird is a folk duo with a heartfelt sound that performed covers like “Frozen” by Madonna on the show. In the final round, they performed their original song, “Shooting Stars & Fairy Tales,” which charted not just in Germany, but also in Switzerland and Austria. Their music is on Spotify and they have a YouTube channel, MrsGreenbirdTV. However, they’re no longer performing together and instead started a record company, Greenbird Records, and work with other artists songwriting and producing. 

EES & The Yes-Ja! Band

• Show: “The X Factor” (Germany)
• Season: 4
• Year: 2018

Eric Sell, known as EES, performed with his backup band throughout the show, eventually taking the win. EES continues making music, with his most recent single, “Your Sister” released in April of 2024. He also released a new album, entitled “Good Vibes Only,” which is available on several music platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. 

Melanie Amaro

• Show: “The X Factor” (U.S)
• Season: 1
• Year: 2011

Melanie Amaro auditioned with Beyonce Knowles’ “Listen” on the show. She was initially left out of the Top 16 but Simon Cowell realized he made a mistake and invited her back to progress in the girls’ category. During the final show, she performed “All I want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey and went back to her audition song for her winner’s song. She’s an indie artist whose music is on Spotify and Apple Music. She is also on Cameo and makes herself available for bookings.

Tate Stevens

• Show: “The X Factor” (U.S)
• Season: 2
• Year: 2012

Tate Stevens is a country music artist who auditioned with “Anything Goes” by Randy Houser. In the final episode, Stevens performed “Please Come Home for Christmas” by Charles Brown and his winner’s song was “Tomorrow” by Chris Young. In 2020, Stevens released a single called “Sugar Town,” which is available on Apple Music. Most recently, he was a special guest at an event hosted by Helping a Hero, an organization dedicated to empowering wounded veterans. 

Alex & Sierra

• Show: “The X Factor” (U.S)
• Season: 3
• Year: 2013

Alex & Sierra wowed the judges and audience with their audition. They picked the unlikely song, “Toxic” by Britney Spears and delivered it in a quirky yet sensual way. On the finale, the duo performed “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” In 2014, they released “Scarecrow,” their debut single. In 2017, they announced that they had broken up romantically a year prior and decided to stop making music together as well. They went on to make music on their own, which is available on Spotify under their respective names, Alex Kinsey and Sierra Deaton.

Sébastien Agius 

• Show: “The X Factor” (France)
• Season: 1
• Year: 2009

Singer-songwriter, Sébastien Agius, auditioned with “L’envie d’aimer” by Les Dix Commandments and his last performance was “Unchain My Heart” by Joe Cocker. Several years later in 2016, he was part of the 5th season of “The Voice” (France) and most recently, Agius announced he would be a part of Star Musical, a conglomeration of great acts. 

Matthew Raymond-Barker

• Show: “The X Factor” (France)
• Season: 2
• Year: 2011

Matthew Raymond-Barker is an English singer who auditioned with the song “Supreme” by Robbie Williams. On week 11, his final songs included a medley, “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson,” and “Vivre ou survivre” by Daniel Balavoine as his winner’s song. This last song became his debut single that same year in 2011. According to his Instagram page, Raymond-Barker is currently living his tourist fantasy.

Geet Sagar

• Show: “The X Factor” (India)
• Season: 1
• Year: 2011

An Indian singer, Geet Sagar was the first and only contestant to win “The X Factor” (India). In 2011, his only plans for the future were to continue making music and he has. Most recently, he composed “Winter Ayun Waliye” by Aruna Harjai and Jyotica Tangri, and it got 1M streams on Spotify.