The X Factor winner James Arthur has signed a new record deal a year after parting ways with Simon Cowell, he has announced.
The singer, who won the ITV contest in 2012, tweeted to confirm he had secured a 'worldwide' contract and would be releasing his second album next year.
He told his two million followers:
After a crazy 15 months I'm so happy to be able to say that I've signed a worldwide deal with a major label and releasing album 2 in 2016.
— James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) September 6, 2015
I want to say a huge thanks first of all to my incredible fans for the love and support you have shown me. Without you.. God knows what.
— James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) September 6, 2015
He added, “Excited about the future!” and tweeted his thanks to Columbia Records Germany, with whom he is believed to have signed.
Thanks to @columbia_de @ColumbiaRecords can't wait to finish this album with you.
— James Arthur (@JamesArthur23) September 6, 2015
The singer tweeted to confirm his departure from Simon Cowell’s label Syco in June last year after months of speculation and a series of controversies.
(Yui Mok/PA)
He had faced heavy criticism in April that year for promoting extremism after it emerged his song Follow The Leader included the lyric “I’m gonna blow up your family like I’m a terrorist”, and in 2013 sparked a homophobia row when he uploaded a rap online.
The star appeared unhappy with his management, complaining about his own publicity team in March 2014 and the messages they posted on social media.
James had a number one hit with his cover of Shontelle’s Impossible after winning The X Factor, but his later singles proved less successful. His self-titled debut album peaked at number two in the charts.
