March 19, 2009 14:26

'X Factor' winner dropped by label

Simon Cowell lets his winning artist go

Former 'X Factor' winner Leon Jackson has been dropped by his record label Sony.

Jackson won the TV talent contest in 2007, beating finalists Rhydian Roberts and Same Difference, and was mentored by Dannii Minogue.

He enjoyed the Christmas Number One that year with 'When You Believe', but failed to follow up the success. His first original track 'Don't Call This Love' peaked at Three, beaten by Peter Kay's 'X Factor' spoof 'The Winner’s Song'.

Putting a brave face on his plight, Jackson told The Sun: "I had a great year and learned so much recording and releasing my album. Every artist knows these things can go either way. I'm really looking forward to my tour and doing more writing."

However, the paper claims that Simon Cowell favoured Roberts, quoting an insider as saying: "(Cowell) thought the most talented person should have won. That was never Leon and what has happened since has proved him right. Leon's a good lad, but he's definitely not set the world alight."