The X Factor ’s Ben Haenow is enjoying a low-key lifestyle after enjoying the dizzying heights of fame when he won the ITV show eight years ago.
The singer shot to fame as he was crowned champion of the singing competition back in 2014, beating the likes of Fleur East and Andrea Faustini to score the prize of a recording contract with Simon Cowell ’s label Syco Music.
Ben sold 214,000 copies of his debut single, Something I Need, and landed the spot at the top of the charts at Christmas that same year.
He released his debut album, called Ben Haenow, which reached number 10 in the charts, but sadly, his pop career began to stall.
Ben released another album, which featured a duet with US pop sensation Kelly Clarkson, but their single Second Hand Heart only reached number 21 in the charts, and his success was soon eclipsed by that of X Factor runner-up Fleur.
In 2016, the former van driver was dropped by Simon’s record label, and at the time, it was reported the music and TV mogul said the decision was taken with a “heavy heart”.
Ben spoke out about his struggle after his career was unexpectedly halted, just two years after winning The X Factor, and said his confidence took a hit.
“It’s a crazy, crazy thing to be involved in, to go from being unknown to being on TV. It’s an incredible thing,” he told MyLondon.
“You are kind of in a bubble for that year. Once that bubble bursts, it’s a hard thing After a little while I didn’t really go out,” Ben explained.
He said being dropped was “really hard to deal with”, and he struggled with his mental health.
“It was then I lost my way a bit. I lost my confidence going out,” Ben admitted.
The singer-songwriter was undeterred, and persevere with a music career, ditching pop music for a more soulful sound.
Ben released his first album as an independent artists in 2018, and despite it not reaching the UK charts, he’s gained a loyal fanbase who follow him around the country while he’s on tour.
Ben married his long-term girlfriend Jessica Jones in 2017, and in November 2020, he announced they were expecting their first child together.
Sharing a video of their ultrasound scan on Instagram, the singer joked he and his wife were “working on a new release”.
“So Me and my beautiful wife have been working on a new release for next year @j_amy_haenow and I made this new little beat together!” he captioned the clip.
“It's a stonker!! by far the best thing I've done ever and we couldn't be more excited.”
He’s now a doting dad to baby Beau, and he’s juggling his music career, as well as gigs around the UK, with fatherhood.
"Beau Haenow. 7lbs 3oz. 22/5/21. 9:48am. Words can’t describe how much I love you! Proudest moment of my life EVER! My @j_amy_haenow IS INCREDIBLE and we are sooooooooooooooooo happy," he captioned a photo of his newborn son, as he announced the exciting news he was a father.
He recently teased the possibility of new music in a recent post on social media, as he revealed he’s been in the studio working with “absolute legends”.
“Just spent a few days with some absolute legends creating the music I’ve always wanted to! Never been happier with what’s to come and what a bloody team!” Ben wrote.
