Dalton Harris shot to fame when he appeared on The X Factor in 2018, and was eventually crowned winner of the ITV show after quickly becoming a fan favourite.
The Jamaican-born singer wowed the judges week after week, and was praised by music icon and guest star Nile Rodgers who said he delivered a perfect performance every time he stood on the stage.
Dalton inadvertently became the last-ever winner of The X Factor, as creator and judge Simon Cowell announced last year there were “no plans” to renew the show, which had suffered from declining viewing figures over the years.
The musician had a hard start in life, and was one of 22 children growing up in poverty.
But he worked hard to get his big break, and Dalton beat off stiff competition from fellow finalists Anthony Russell and Scarlett Lee to win the 15th series of the long-running talent show.
His winner’s song was The Power of Love, a duet with James Arthur, who won The X Factor in 2012, and Dalton went on to release another track, Cry, in 2019.
He decided to stay out of the limelight following his win, and has instead focused on a stage career, as well as becoming an advocate for mental wellbeing.
In 2020, Dalton took to social media to announce he was pansexual, and told his fans he had a “deep realisation” about his mental health as he admitted he had contemplated suicide.
“The only reason I didn’t take my life today is because I spoke with GOD and I decided to make the biggest change I will ever make in my life,” he posted on Twitter.
“I want to live my life not running away from pain inflicted on me or the pain I inflict on anyone [sic],” he continued.
He said he had ended a relationship that was “the best thing that ever happened to me”, and vowed to stay true to himself and his feelings going forward.
“I want to experience live and be honest with myself and everyone around me in my intentions. Not hide or mask feelings and or flaws. Not judge myself. Not abuse myself and or anyone else. I am thankful for my family and everyone who is around me,” he wrote.
“Today I am deciding to change my life. And live better. And sharing this is the first step because it was hard,” Dalton told his followers.
He then shared a picture of the pansexual flag, and had a message for those who were “still attacking my sexuality”.
“My privacy is my business and whoever enters my bedroom will get there because of how I feel about them… my life is mine to live,” Dalton fired.
It was recently announced he would be joining stage icon Ruthie Henshall’s upcoming revival of the show Passion, which will take place in Manchester.
Dalton will play Count Ludovic/Lieutenant Barri in the eagerly-awaited production, set to begin in May at the Hope Mill Theatre.
“I am so excited and honoured to be playing this role in the @passionamusical and I am equally as honoured to be representing my country, my community and myself on such an incredible platform,” he wrote on Instagram, as he confirmed the exciting career news.
“I hope young performers and musicians and creatives in Jamaica see and understand my journey and know they can also create a space for themselves anywhere and not place limits on themselves,” Dalton added.
He’s also starred in the digital revival of Broadway musical Closer Than Ever, alongside Lee Mead, and teased his fans with the possibility of new music this year.
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