Leon Jackson

Leon Jackson (born 30 December 1988) is a Scottish singer–songwriter. Born and raised in Whitburn, he won the fourth series of the ITV talent show The X Factor in 2007. Following his win, he starred in his on-web series entitled Leon's Life (2007–2008). Jackson's debut single, "When You Believe", reached number one in his native Scotland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it became the Christmas number one of 2007. It sold over 400,000 copies, becoming the third best-selling single of 2007, and ranked the 92nd best-selling single of the 2000s in the UK. "When You Believe" was named the best selling single by a British Male Artist in 2007. His debut album, Right Now (2008), reached number two on the albums charts in his native Scotland, whilst in the United Kingdom it debuted at number four and seven in Ireland. It was subsequently certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), and finished the year as the 75th best-selling album in the UK. The albums lead single, "Don't Call This Love", reached number one in Scotland, the top ten in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the top ten of the European Hot 100 Singles. Following the moderate commercial success of his next singles "Creative" and "Stargazing", Jackson departed from his record label. Following a hiatus from recording music, Jackson ventured in songwriting – collaborating with Vince Kidd and Lady Leshurr on the single "Sick Love". "When You Believe" currently ranks as the seventh best-selling X Factor winners single, outselling Little Mix with "Cannonball", Sam Bailey with "Skyscraper" and Louisa Johnson with "Forever Young". His debut album also ranks as the eighth best-selling debut album from an X Factor winner, beating Ben Haenow with his self-titled debut album and Joe McElderry with Wide Awake.