Steve Brookstein

Soul singer Steve Brookstein earned a record six million votes, winning 2004's inaugural series of The X-Factor, and scoring a number one album and single with his debut releases. Born in South London in 1968, Brookstein's musical ambitions surfaced at the age of 20, after a performance at a local karaoke bar inspired him to pursue a career in the industry. He became a regular fixture at various clubs, singing cover versions of songs by Luther Vandross, Al Green, and George Benson, and in 1996, he signed to MCA Records.