Little Mix made history as the first group to ever win The X Factor in 2011, defying the odds with their incredible harmonies and undeniable chemistry. They went on to become one of the most successful girl groups of all time, but their journey wasn’t easy—originally, they all auditioned as solo artists and were put together by the judges, proving that sometimes, the best things come from unexpected circumstances.

Stacey Solomon became a fan favorite in 2009 with her bubbly personality and sweet vocals, later finding even greater success as a TV presenter. Despite her fame, she remains one of the most relatable X Factor contestants, famously winning I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and cementing her status as a national treasure.

Leona Lewis became one of The X Factor's most successful winners after triumphing in 2006, with Bleeding Love topping charts worldwide. Her vocal range and emotional performances made her a global star, and despite her pop success, she remains one of the most down-to-earth winners, once revealing that she continued using public transport in London even after achieving fame.

JLS became one of the UK’s biggest boy bands after finishing second in 2008, scoring hit singles like Beat Again and Everybody in Love. Their slick choreography and harmonies helped bring boy bands back to the charts, and they later proved their longevity by reuniting years after their initial split.

One Direction became the biggest boy band in the world after finishing third in 2010, launching Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and the rest of the group into global superstardom. What many forget is that they were put together as a band by the judges after auditioning as solo artists, proving that sometimes, fate knows best.

James Arthur won The X Factor in 2012 with his raw, passionate performances, making Impossible one of the best-selling winner’s singles ever. His career had ups and downs, but he made a huge comeback with Say You Won’t Let Go, proving his longevity in the industry. Before his time on the show, he spent years playing in small bands, and at one point was homeless, showing that his journey to stardom was anything but easy.

Louisa Johnson became the youngest winner in X Factor history at just 17 years old, impressing judges with her powerhouse vocals. She later collaborated with Clean Bandit on Tears, showing her ability to blend pop with dance music, but she later admitted that the pressure of fame at a young age took its toll, leading her to take a step back from the industry.

Alexandra Burke won The X Factor in 2008, delivering one of the show’s most unforgettable moments when she performed Listen with Beyoncé in the final. Her winner’s single, Hallelujah, broke records for the fastest-selling single by a female artist in the UK. Despite her pop success, she later found her true passion in musical theatre, starring in The Bodyguard and Chicago.

Olly Murs became one of The X Factor’s biggest stars despite finishing as a runner-up in 2009. His infectious personality and catchy songs like Dance With Me Tonight turned him into a pop sensation. Before fame, he was a semi-professional footballer and once had to quit a trial with a club to audition for the show—a gamble that clearly paid off.

Journey South, the duo of brothers from The X Factor Season 2, won over audiences with their heartfelt acoustic performances. They finished third but still managed to land a number-one album, proving that sometimes, you don’t need to win the show to find success.

Cher Lloyd became a sensation in 2010 with her mix of pop and rap, and despite early criticism, she found huge success in both the UK and the US, proving her doubters wrong.

Joe McElderry won The X Factor in 2009 with his smooth vocals and likable personality, releasing The Climb as his winner’s single. Although he was beaten to the Christmas number one by a fan campaign for Rage Against the Machine, he later found a niche in classical crossover music, proving his versatility and willingness to reinvent himself.

Fleur East made waves on The X Factor in 2014 with her electrifying performances, and although she finished as the runner-up, her version of Uptown Funk became so popular that it helped push the official Bruno Mars release up the charts faster. Her career later expanded beyond music, as she became a successful radio presenter and TV personality.

Same Difference, the sibling duo from 2007, charmed audiences with their upbeat energy and love for cheesy pop. Despite being seen as an underdog act, they managed to secure a record deal and later found success in children's theatre, proving that there’s always a place for feel-good entertainment.

Matt Terry won The X Factor in 2016 with his impressive vocal range, releasing When Christmas Comes Around, a festive winner’s single written by Ed Sheeran. Although his pop career didn’t reach the heights of some past winners, he later found success in musical theatre, proving that sometimes, winning a reality show is just the beginning of a much longer journey.

Rak-Su became the first male group to win The X Factor in 2017, bringing an infectious energy with their original songs, including Dimelo, which became a chart hit. Unlike many reality TV winners who rely on outside songwriters, they prided themselves on writing their own music, a rare achievement for a talent show group.

Shayne Ward was the second-ever winner of The X Factor in 2005, launching a successful pop career with That’s My Goal and later transitioning into acting. His decision to join the cast of Coronation Street as Aidan Connor became one of his most defining career moves, earning him praise for his emotional performance in a storyline about male mental health and suicide, proving he could impact audiences in multiple ways beyond music.

Rebecca Ferguson impressed in 2010 with her soulful, old-school voice, finishing as a runner-up but launching a successful solo career. Unlike many contestants, she openly spoke out against the darker side of the music industry, later advocating for fairer treatment of artists.

Diana Vickers stood out in 2008 with her unique voice and quirky style, later launching a successful career in music and theatre. She originally auditioned with The Blower’s Daughter, a song so well received that it was later re-recorded for her debut album.

Leon Jackson became the surprise winner of The X Factor in 2007, defying the odds with his soulful voice and emotional performances. His winner’s single When You Believe became a Christmas number one, but he later stepped away from the music industry. Unlike many reality show winners, he took a different path, moving to Los Angeles to study music production, showing his dedication to the craft beyond just performing.

Ray Quinn, the young crooner from 2006, later found success not just in music but also as a professional ice skater, winning Dancing on Ice twice.

Sam Bailey became an inspiration when she won The X Factor in 2013 at 36, proving that age is no barrier to success. Before the show, she worked as a prison officer, and she once revealed that inmates used to joke that she should try out for the competition - little did they know she would go on to win it.

Steve Brookstein was the very first X Factor winner in 2004, but his time in the spotlight was short-lived as he soon parted ways with his record label. Despite his falling out with Simon Cowell and the show, he remains vocal about his experiences in the industry, showing that winning a talent show doesn't always guarantee long-term success.

Ben Haenow captured the hearts of the UK in 2014 with his gritty vocals and down-to-earth charm, going on to win the show and releasing a hit debut single Something I Need. He later collaborated with Kelly Clarkson on Second Hand Heart, but what many don’t know is that he used to work as a van driver before The X Factor, and even after winning, he kept in touch with his old colleagues, proving he never let fame change him.

Jedward became infamous for their over-the-top performances in 2009, turning their novelty act into a full-fledged career. Love them or hate them, they proved that entertainment is about more than just singing, later representing Ireland in Eurovision twice.