James Arthur is a British singer-songwriter from Middlesbrough who gained international recognition after winning the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012. His debut single, a cover of Shontelle's Impossible, became the most successful winner’s track in the competition's history, eventually selling more than 2.5 million copies worldwide and topping the UK Singles Chart.
Early life and education
Born in 1988, Arthur spent part of his childhood in Bahrain, where he attended the British School of Bahrain between 1997 and 2001. Upon returning to England, he continued his studies at Rye Hills School in Redcar. During his youth, he lived between his father’s residence and a foster care placement in Brotton. By 2011, he began uploading original material to platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube while developing his own musical projects.
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In 2012, Arthur auditioned for The X Factor in Newcastle. Mentored by Nicole Scherzinger, he progressed through the competition despite facing an anxiety attack during the live shows and a public controversy regarding the arrangement of his performance of Sexy and I Know It. He reached the final against Jahméne Douglas and won with 53.7 percent of the public vote on 9 December 2012.
Record labels and studio albums
Following his victory, he released his debut self-titled album in 2013, which peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart. After parting ways with Syco in 2014, he signed with Columbia Records in 2015. He returned to Syco in 2016, releasing Back from the Edge, which reached number one in the UK. His 2019 album, You, also peaked at number two. In 2021, he signed with Columbia Records UK and Columbia Records Germany.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Middlesbrough
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Education: British School of Bahrain
- Occupation: Singer, songwriter, composer, guitarist
- Genre: Pop and rock music
- Notable Award: NRJ Music Award (2013)
- Debut Album: James Arthur (2013)
Questions readers ask
Did James Arthur write his own music before the show?
Yes, in 2011 he uploaded original songs to SoundCloud and YouTube and released an independent album titled Sins by the Sea.
Which record labels has he been signed to?
He has been signed to Syco Music and later Columbia Records, including both the UK and German branches.
Achievements
- Instruments: drum kit, guitar and voice
- Genres: pop music
