Syco Music/Sony Music is releasing "The X Factor Greatest Hits," a compilation album of 34 hits from several "X Factor" U.K. alumni. The album is set for release in the U.K. and Ireland on Nov. 25, 2013.
"The X Factor" U.K. (which launched in 2004) was the first "X Factor" show on the air. "The X Factor" has since branched out to different versions in numerous countries.
Syco Music (which is co-owned by "The X Factor" executive producer Simon Cowell and Sony Music) is the record company of several "X Factor" alumni. "X Factor" U.K. alumni currently signed to Syco are One Direction, Little Mix, Olly Murs, Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd, Union J, James Arthur, Rebecca Ferguson and Lucy Spraggan.
The winners of "The X Factor" U.K. from 2004 to 2012 are on the album, except for Steve Brookstein (the winner in 2004) and Leon Jackson (the winner in 2007). Although Brookstein's and Jackson's first post-"X Factor" singles were No. 1 hits in the U.K., the singers were both dropped from Syco/Sony Music because their respective albums failed to meet sales expectations. Brookstein and Jackson currently do not have record deals.
Brookstein and Cowell have famously feuded over the years, so it's not too surprising that Brookstein was left off of "The X Factor's Greatest Hits" album.
On Oct. 17, 2013, Brookstein took to Twitter to comment on the snub: "I've not made the X Factor Greatest Hits Album. Thanks for the 1st ever X Factor No1 and the 6 million votes. Just wasn't enough I guess."
Here is the list of the "X Factor" U.K. alumni who are on the album and what their status is with Sony Music:
- Leona Lewis (winner in 2006), currently signed to Syco Music.
- One Direction (third place in 2010), currently signed to Syco Music.
- Olly Murs (second place in 2009), currently signed to Syco Music.
- JLS (second place in 2008), currently signed to Sony Music's Epic Records, but the group announced it is disbanding at the end of 2013.
- Little Mix (winner in 2011), currently signed to Syco Music.
- Alexandra Burke (winner in 2008), moved from Syco Music to Sony Music's RCA Records in 2011; parted ways with RCA Records in 2013.
- James Arthur (winner in 2012), currently signed to Syco Music.
- Joe McElderry (winner in 2009), dropped from Syco Music/Sony Music in 2011; currently signed to Universal Music's Decca Records.
- Rebecca Ferguson (second place in 2010), currently signed to Syco Music.
- Matt Cardle (winner in 2010), dropped by Sony Music in 2012; currently releasing music independently.
- Diana Vickers (seventh place in 2009), dropped by Sony Music's RCA Records; currently unsigned.
- Amelia Lily (third place in 2011), signed to Sony Music's Xenomania label.
- Shayne Ward (winner in 2005), dropped by Sony Music in 2011; currently unsigned.
- Misha B (fourth place in 2011), signed to Sony Music's Relentless Records.
- Union J (fourth place in 2012), signed to Syco Music/RCA Records.
- Lucy Spraggan (ninth place in 2012), signed to Syco Music.
- Cher Lloyd (fourth place in 2010), signed to Syco Music.
- Marcus Collins (second place in 2011), signed to Sony Music's RCA Records.
- Aiden Grimshaw (ninth place in 2010), signed to Syco Music/RCA Records.
- Jahmene Douglas (second place in 2012), signed to Sony Music's RCA Records.
Here is the track listing of "The X Factor Greatest Hits":
Disc 1
1. Leona Lewis, "Bleeding Love"
2. One Direction, "What Makes You Beautiful"
3. Olly Murs featuring Rizzle Kicks, "Heart Skips A Beat"
4. JLS, "Beat Again"
5. Little Mix, "Wings"
6. Alexandra Burke featuring Flo Rida, "Bad Boys"
7. James Arthur, "Impossible"
8. Rebecca Ferguson, "Nothing's Real But Love"
9. Joe McElderry, "The Climb"
10. Matt Cardle, "When We Collide"
11. Diana Vickers, "Once"
12. Amelia Lily, "You Bring Me Joy"
13. Shayne Ward, "No Promises"
14. Union J, "Carry You"
15. Misha B, "Do You Think Of Me"
16. Lucy Spraggan, "Last Night (Beer Fear)"
17. Cher Lloyd, "Swagger Jagger"
Disc 2
1. Olly Murs featuring Flo Rida, "Troublemaker"
2. JLS, "Everybody in Love"
3. One Direction, "Little Things"
4. Leona Lewis, "Run"
5. Little Mix, "Cannonball"
6. Alexandra Burke, "Hallelujah"
7. James Arthur, "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You"
8. Shayne Ward, "That's My Goal"
9. Cher Lloyd featuring Mike Posner, "With Ur Love"
10. Rebecca Ferguson, "Backtrack"
11. Marcus Collins, "Seven Nation Army"
12. Matt Cardle, "Run For Your Life"
13. Misha B, "Home Run"
14. Lucy Spraggan, "Lighthouse"
15. Aiden Grimshaw, "This Is Love"
16. Joe McElderry, "Ambitions"
17. Jahmene Douglas, "Titanium"
