Can James Arthur become the most successful male recording artist The X Factor has ever produced?

James Arthur was crown winner of The X Factor 2012 at the weekend in a close contest with rival Jahmene Douglas.

Most neutrals would feel that either candidate would be a worthy winner, myself included, but X Factor history tells us that most of the time it is perhaps better to be a runner-up than an X Factor winner.

Let’s face it, when it comes to guys winning the show, the track record of success is not great and I would like to believe that James Arthur will be the act that will go on to break the mould, but I thought that of Matt Cardle two years ago.

However, this time I will put my head on the block and say yes he can! The reason for this is that more than any other act I can remember on the show, James Arthur has had the most tribute from music insiders that I can ever remember.  This  will pay dividends because many of these people will want to write for him, duet with him and promote him at every opportunity, because in their eyes he is a winner in every sense of the word.

So far his winner’s song, a cover of Shonetelle’s Impossible, went straight to number one on the iTunes download charts, and has sold over 250,000 copies so far this week.

It’s the fastest selling single of the year and bestselling winner’s single of any X Factor winner, eclipsing both Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke.

These sales will put him on course to overtake Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke and Shayne Ward’s total first week sales.

Strong sales figure for a his debut single will not only be good for James but will be a big boost for the ITV show that have seen a reduction in viewing figures over the past couple of years.

A spokesperson from the Official Charts Company said; “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.”
So far the omens look good for James, but his real test will come when he release his debut album. The sales figures for the album will be a defining moment, and like every winner before him, it will eventually determine his fate.