I doubt he is 'signed' to them, they are probably just distributing the album.

I really don't think it's fixed directly, but the bias towards certain contestants certainly acts as a form of manipulation.

Next week James will be in the top ten for sure and I think he will end up top 3. He deserves it yes he's made mistakes but he deserves a 2nd chance.

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He has, Syco confirmed it.

Though I think Columbia Germany will continue to be his main label.

Thank you deleted my post as hoped wrong.

He is No 1 I am really pleased for him

On iTunes?

No 1 for James. Well done

http://metro.co.uk/2016/09/16/james-...r-one-6133041/

He isn't the official number 1, just iTunes.

Officially number 25, which all things considered is pretty admirable.

Yup and should be due a big rise in the official chart on Friday as streaming is increasing/ sales too

James was number 2 on the official chart update, climbed 23 places up. Could be number 1 on Friday. I think it's incredible.

It's very fixed from the pre-selection of contestants, through manipulation of viewer perception, to scripted comments from the judges, song choices and camera angles.

I doubt it, I expect he'll fall a place or two by Friday. However if he keeps selling like he is and continues to increase on Streaming then maybe next week he could get the number 1.

Well done James, one of the few really talented acts the show has produced.

There's always streaming data missing from the Monday update. On Sunday he was #7 if you combine the iTunes and Spotify figures.. so he'll struggle to make the official top 5 on Friday, but I hope he sneaks in. Looking like another week for Chainsmokers at #1 though.

Pleased to see him doing well in the official charts, not just on iTunes. Congratulations to James for his comeback

Agreed.

It's actually getting worse in that before they would generally pick the best 10-11 acts plus a token joke act or two. Now the talented ones are being dropped before the lives to give Cowell and the producers a cushier manipulation ride throughout the lives. As if the hideous judges vote after the sing-off wasn't bad enough.

I have watched X-Factor, Idol and the Voice in several other countries and X-Factor UK is by far the worst. James Arthur winning is one of the rare exceptions when pure talent won through in the end.

Congrats to James on no 2 Official charts.

Congrats to James

As streaming has picked up massively - he should be in with a chance of number 1 next week,

Although I think it depends on how strong streaming is for the Weeknd... and the Chainsmokers still.

Either way Number 2 given the past/ current singles climate is amazing

Amazing performance for it to get to number 2.

Amazing for James. A fantastic song that deserved it.

Next week I could see him at #1.

The album is going to be amazing too.

His album is being released on the 4th of November I believe, the same day as robbie williams