X Factor winner Leon hits out at show

Published on Saturday 13 December 2008 10:49

CURRENT X Factor champion Leon Jackson has criticised this year's show, claiming the judges are trying to be the real stars.

The singer says the competition is no longer about the contestants and is more centred on the judges' egos.

The 19-year-old from Whitburn, West Lothian, is backing Girl's Aloud star Cheryl Cole to beat Simon Cowell and win this year's event.

He said: "It gets clouded these days when the judges are having their confrontations. It should be more about the acts.

"Simon has not won for a couple of years since Leona Lewis, but I'd like to see Cheryl Cole win. She's done a great job and it would be a great reward for her."

His single When You Believe topped the charts last year after triumphing in the live televised final.

However, his follow-up single failed to reach the same heights, finishing at number three behind American rock chick Pink and comedian Peter Kaye.

He later became the first X Factor winner not to have a number one debut album, with Right Now only reaching number four and spending just the one week in the top ten album chart.