James Arthur: Most explosive X Factor opening sales, ever!

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James Arthur has scored the most explosive start of any X Factor winner in history with his debut single Impossible, according to the Official Charts Company’s sales data released this morning.

Impossible, which went on sale on Sunday evening immediately after James Arthur was unveiled as the 2012 X Factor winner, had sold 187,000 copies by midnight last night according to Official Charts Company’s sales data.Arthur’s extraordinary performance already puts him on course for a storming full week, which will be bolstered further by the single’s CD release tomorrow (Wednesday, December 12).

No previous X Factor finalists’ debut single has hit such heights so quickly. In 2008, Alexandra Burke’s Hallelujah had sold 147,000 copies by the end of Monday, while Matt Cardle’s When We Collide in 2010 had sold 112,000 and Leona Lewis’ A Moment Like This in 2006 had sold 101,000 during their first two days on sale. Last year’s winners, Little Mix’s Cannonball had sold 69,000 at this stage of its opening week.

Comparisons with Shayne Ward’s all-time fastest selling X Factor winner’s single, 2005’s That’s My Goal, are difficult because it was issued in the early days of digital. The single had sold only 46,000 copies on download by Monday midnight, but exploded when the CD was released on Wednesday – it sold 289,000 copies on that day alone, on its way to a record X Factor opening week total of 742,000.

Official Charts Company Managing Director Martin Talbot says, “There has been a lot said about X Factor’s popularity this year and questions have been raised that perhaps its momentum is beginning to wane. But this amazing opening performance by James Arthur suggests that it remains the pre-eminent launch pad for new artists. Whether Arthur will match Shayne Ward’s 2005 total, only time will tell – but he has a fantastic chance.”

The other previous biggest opening week totals are Alexandra Burke’s Hallelujah (576,000), Leona Lewis’ A Moment Like This (571,000) and Joe McElderry’s The Climb (451,000).

In related news, proceeds from James Arthur's single will be donated to children’s charity, Together For Short Lives, who support children and the families of children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. For more information, or to donate directly, please visit their website: www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk

 
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Nicole Scherzinger leaving Uk X Factor and Cheryl Cole in talks to a comeback

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"Tulisa, Gary, and Nicole are set to leave -
with Cheryl Cole retaking her rightful place."

NICOLE Scherzinger has dealt X Factor bosses a hammer blow — by threatening to quit the show and reboot her own pop career.

A showbiz insider said: “Nicole has proved really popular with viewers – men want to be with her and women want to be her."

The former Pussycat Doll, 34, said that getting two of her acts — James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas — into the final would be the perfect exit strategy. She said: “I’m really glad I did the show. I don’t know if I’ll come back next year. End on a high, right?”

Nicole has emerged as the most popular judge on this year’s panel and her departure would be another nail in the coffin of the ailing ITV1 show. However, Nicole, who has a new album in the pipeline, is keen to go back on tour.

She said: “This year has changed my life. As an artist, it’s put into perspective what I want, how to go about it.

“People have made me so comfortable and I have to thank you.”

There were reports earlier in the series that Simon Cowell was eager to poach Mel B from the Australian version of the show after a successful guest judging stint.

Reports suggest that besides Scherzinger, the only judge Cowell wants to see return to the show is pal Louis Walsh.

“Tulisa has lost her touch this year and her heart doesn’t seem to be in it, while Gary has a new album and touring commitments with Take That,”the source said.

It has previously been reported that Cowell is intending to return to the UK version of the show next year, and that negotiations are at an advanced level with Cheryl Cole on her return.

The X Factor has lost millions of viewers in the UK this year, and is down almost 10 million on its peak in 2009.

Liverpool singer Christopher Maloney has seen his odds slashed with the bookies as millions have been placed on him to win the competition.

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Gay X Factor star Craig Colton is now attracted to women

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"I was recently attracted to a woman who was just like me in a woman's body."

He rose to fame on The X Factor last year sporting a rather portly frame. But singer Craig Colton has now re-emerged looking almost unrecognisable as he shows off a much slender physique following months of hitting the gym.

But that's not the only major transformation he's gone through in the last year - as he also revealed during the NOW magazine interview that he is now also attracted to women.

After first arriving in the public eye Craig's relationship with another X Factor alumni, Danyl Johnson, made the news following his admission that he is homosexual and proud of it last year.

He added: 'I was always open about my sexuality on the show, but now I'd never rule out a woman. I was recently attracted to a woman who was just like me in a woman's body...there's something special about her.'

He told NOW magazine: 'I've got so much more confidence now. I've lost almost 4st and I'm doing it slowly. 'I don't want to lose a stone a week or anything like that. I'm still enjoying myself - hashtag cocktails!'

Aside from being busy in the gym, Craig has also been busy writing his new music material - and has been turning to Robbie Williams for advice.

He joked: 'I wrote a song called Beautiful Surprise on the toilet. It was about 4am and I rang Robbie immediately. Yes, I did get of the toilet at that point! He said: "send it to me right now".'

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X Factor Uk's Judge Tulisa covers Cosmopolitan Uk nov 2012

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X Factor UK Finalists Get their Teeth Whitened

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Pictured: The One Direction replacements head to the dentist

They may have the talent but The X Factor contestants still need the gloss to get them ready for the live show.

And so the makeovers begin for the 12 finalists and four wildcards, starting with... teeth whitening.

Although for James Arthur, the prospect of having his chompers lightened didn't stop him enjoying a cigarette on his way to the clinic in London.

Leaving the hotel with Dan Ferrari-Lane of GMD3, the 24 year-old singer puffed his way all the way to his appointment before stubbing it out on the stairway before entering the medical office.

While he waiting for his turn to be called, James chatted to Dan and wildcard Amy Mottard outside, who looked excited at the idea of getting some pearly whites.

Dan may have brought provisions for the waiting room as he carried a green carrier bag with the word fish on it. Let's hope it didn't literally mean there was a wet slippery creature within.



So did Times Red's guitarist Scott Richie who flashed a smile at photographers on his way into the clinics with beat-boxer and bandmate Luke White.

The blonde third of Times Red looked rather peculiar in his blue and white striped onesie, begging the question, did he even get dressed this morning. But his funny expression made him seem like he wouldn't have missed the free whitening treatment.

Not showing as much enthusiasm for the day's makeover activity were United J's JJ, Josh and George who kept their heads down on the walk to the whitening clinic from their hotel.

As the contestants emerged from the clinic, a few questionable looks could be found on a number

Staz Nair seemed to have a bad taste in his mouth as he contemplated the snapping cameras before him.

Luke on the over hand kept his face hidden behind his zipped up hood. Could he have done a Ross from TV's Friends and been stuck with unfortunate glow-in-the-dark teeth?

The answer can be found this coming weekend as the long awaited Live Shows begin their run until it's time for the Christmas No. 1.

Joining James Arthur will be Rylan Clark, Jahmene Douglas and wildcard Adam Burridge for Nicola Sherzinger.

Wildcard Amy hopes to join Jade Ellis, Ella Henderson and Lucy Spraggan on Team Tulisa.

United J, GMD3 and wildcards Times Red join MK1 as Louis Walsh's hopefuls.

Whilst Kye Sones, Carolynne Poole and Melanie Masson fly The X Factor flag for Gary Barlow with Christopher Malloney hopes to win the public vote and officially join the other 12 finalists in the ITV talent show.













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X Factor Uk Contender Ella Henderson amazing emotional Performance of Cher's Believe

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