James Arthur wins X Factor, while Chris Maloney quits final performance after ‘foul-mouthed rant’
Monday 10 December 2012
James Arthur, 24, has been named the 2012 winner of The X Factor, and his winner’s single Impossible is now odds-on to be the Christmas number one.
The Middlesbrough-born singer beat Jahmene Douglas to the top spot after gaining 54 per cent of the public vote on Sunday night with his version of the Shontelle hit Impossible, earning him a standing ovation from both the judging panel and the crowd.
Struggling to speak to Dermot O’Leary, he said: ‘Thank you, thank you so much. Have I really won? Wow. I don’t know what to say.’
Runner-up Jahmene, who was also mentored by Nicole Scherzinger and received 38.9 percentage of the votes, was gracious in his defeat as he praised his friend James.
‘It’s such a blessing to even share a stage with such a talent’ he said, continuing ‘He’s my idol.’
James and Jahmene fought for the winner’s title after Christopher was voted off on Saturday night.
The Liverpudlian singer, who had received the highest number of votes for seven weeks in a row before being overtaken by eventual winner James Arthur in week eight, was voted off after receiving just 16.8 per cent of the vote compared to 51.7 per cent for James and 31.5 per cent for Jahemene.
The 34-year-old managed to share the stage with his mentor, Gary Barlow before his departure though while James and Jahmene both sang with mentor, Nicole.
There was a slight drama for Nicole though, when her microphone failed to work during her duet with Jahmene. But, instead of stopping the show, the pair stood together and belted out their version of Whitney Houston's Greatest Love.
Nicole showed her frustration however after though. She said: 'Well it sucks when your mic is not on, but he's my little angel and to share the stage with him, that's the reason that I'm here.'
Earlier, Jahmene declared his love for his mentor, saying how she always sends him messages and texts and she's 'the best mentor anyone could ask for,’ and it certainly seems as though that was the case, with Nicole being the first ever mentor to have both of acts in the final.
James also added: 'I just got to say thank you Nicole, you got my confidence back and you've been the best mentor.'
Both of Nicole's acts were in the final and she performed with Chris and Jahmene
Meanwhile, Christopher Maloney is said to have riled X Factor bosses with his ‘abusive’ attitude toward his fellow contestants during rehearsals for the performance on Sunday night’s final.
Production sources have claimed Christopher turned up 'late' for rehearsals and appearing 'visibly worse for wear', while contestants allegedly maintained they could smell alcohol on his breath.
An X Factor spokesperson said: 'Chris decided he no longer wanted to be part of The X Factor Final and has gone back to Liverpool.'
The Liverpudlian wannabe was allegedly angered when he realised he had only been given one line in the group medley, and 'stormed off' to his nearby hotel.
A source told a newspaper: 'Everyone is completely fed up of his behaviour. He was abusive to the production team and other contestants.
'He said he was leaving and didn't want to perform in the final tonight.'
The former cruise ship singer later appeared to deny claims that he stormed off, tweeting: 'Thank u @thexfactor had a wonderful Time. an amazing experience. love u all. sorry I had a sore throat an doctor signed me off. good luck x'.
But later claimed he was being 'bullied' before launching a tirade of abuse at former contestant Carolynne Poole.
Writing on his Twitter page, he said: '@CarolynnePoole you'll do anything to get a headline! disgraceful! week one! bitter.'
He then added: 'take no notice of crap in papers! I'm fine. it's just a final stretch of sensational headlines lol. whatever xx we know the truth.
'yes I am being bullied! big time. there u go xx witch hunt.’
James took to Daybreak this morning to reveal that he was eager to release an album ‘as quickly as possible’ but insisted that he wants to have ‘total creative control’ of his career.
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