The competition can be ruthless, sometimes just from Simon Cowell's comments, however, The X Factor has been delivering quality talent since its debut back in the United Kingdom in 2004.
The series gave rise to a number of successful winners, which include Little Mix, Leona Lewis, and James Arthur, however, many of those who took home the winning title, haven't seen as much success.
Luckily for contestants on both the British and American versions of the show, not winning might've been the best thing to happen to them, considering the careers they all went on to have in the music biz.
10 Rachel Crow
Rachel Crow popped up on our screens during the very first season of the U.S series, The X Factor. The star soared through the competition at only 13 years old, however, Rachel's time on the series came to a shocking end when she received the lowest amount of votes in a deadlock decision.
Luckily for Rachel, not only did she go on to create her own music, but she also landed a role on the hit Nickelodeon show, Fred, all while using her platform to stand up against bullying.
9 One Direction
It goes without saying that One Direction have certainly proven themselves to be the most successful act to have come from The X Factor. After auditioning as solo acts back in season 7, Niall, Louis, Liam, Harry, and Zayn were put into a group, now known as One Direction.
They may not have won the series, but the band went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands to date, a category they appear in alongside Backstreet Boys, The Jackson 5, and New Kids On The Block. While they are no longer together, the boys have all gone on to have successful solo careers.
8 Normani Kordei
Normani Kordei also gained prominence on The X Factor when she auditioned as a soloist in its second season, however, she was later put into a group, now known as Fifth Harmony.
Normani went on to branch out of her FH role following the group's breakup and is now readying her own album. The singer has also released music alongside some of the biggest names in the industry including, Khalid and Sam Smith.
7 Jedward
John and Edward, which made up their duo name, Jedward, auditioned for the singing competition back in 2009. They rose to fame quickly following their move over to the live finals of The X Factor.
Although they became an overnight success throughout the United Kingdom, the two have made it clear their time on the show was a nightmare! Jedward revealed that their "biggest regret in life" was not telling the ITV series judging panel to "f*ck off!" Ouch.
6 Cher Lloyd
Cher Lloyd also appeared on the seventh season of The X Factor, where she competed against One Direction. Cher, who had a very rocky start to the show, went on to become a member of Cheryl Cole's team.
Cher landed fourth, and later went on to have a stellar career that managed to transcend over to American airplay! Luckily for Lloyd, she's not only remained active in the industry but she's also gone off and had a family of her own.
5 Olly Murs
Season 9 of The X Factor was certainly one to remember! Olly Murs also surprised fans with his sick vocals, however, the singer lost the title out to winner, Joe McElderry. Olly not only went on to release music for his millions of UK fans, but he became the face of the series!
The star went on to work closely with ITV where he stood in as the host of the show alongside Caroline Flack. Olly also landed a spot on The Voice, where he sat in as a coach.
4 Bea Miller
Bea Miller made a name for herself on the second season of The X Factor where she soared through the competition in the Teens category, which was mentored by former judge, Britney Spears.
Although she didn't take home the win, Bea went on to have a successful career in the United States, releasing two EP's and an album back in 2018, which included hit songs, 'feel something' and 'like that', to name a few.
3 Restless Road
Restless Road came to prominence back in The X Factor's final season in the United States. The country group was formed and mentored by Simon Cowell, allowing them to go on to great success, despite not winning.
The group may have replaced one of its members, but they are doing just fine as they tour the U.S all while building quite the following on TikTok where they document musical moments on the road.
2 Stacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon shocked Great Britain with her peppy personality but wildly talented vocals! The singer went on to place third in the sixth series of The X Factor.
Stacey was a fan fav who not only landed corresponding jobs on a number of British talk shows, but she's most recently released her very own book, Tap To Tidy.
1 Rylan Clark
Rylan Clark is a household name and a very meme-able personality! He came to prominence on the ninth series of The X Factor, soaring to the finals with his talent, but mainly his attitude.
The star went on to become a hit sensation throughout Britain, snagging roles with ITV and BBC, all while appearing on Celebrity Big Brother!
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