Hi all new here but thought I would ask a question apologies if it has been covered many times before

Is it better NOT to win the x factor?

does winning the competition tie you down so much to Syco's control over everything you do make it not worth it

are you better off coming in the top 3 and having more freedom? i.e. JLS, Olly Murs?

The most successful star in Simon Cowell's stable is probably Susan Boyle who, if you remember, did not win Britain's Got Talent. Joe McElderry won The X Factor and Syco did him no favours at all. It is only now that he is beginning to build a more successful career with a different label. So the answer to your question is 'Yes'.

But there are two exceptions- Alexandra and Leona- they both ended up being the most successful in their years by far!

It's the curse of the male winners.

Yes but you can't go into a competition and plan to come second or third.


If you do that, you'll end up 7th or something and have no career. You've got to try and win?

There is some truth to this but success depends mostly on how much time Simon Cowell will ensure gets lavished on you. Alexandra and Leona got to work with World class producers and got amazing promotion. Leon, Joe, and to an extent Matt did not get as much time or care on thier albums and promotion. Simon has clearly ensured that Cher and One Direction got to work with the best people.