X Factor’s Scarlett Lee and Leona Lewis record duet for winner’s single ahead of grand final
Scarlett has been lined-up with Leona, Dalton Harris with James Arthur and Anthony Russell will work with The Kaiser Chiefs
X FACTOR’s Scarlett Lee and Leona Lewis recorded a duet for the winner’s single ahead of the grand final this weekend.
The Sun exclusively revealed that whoever is crowned champion will have to share the limelight on their debut release with a chart topping star.
Former winner Leona will be hoping to score her first No1 since 2008 with Scarlett’s winner’s song, and the pair put their heads together today at Metropolis Studios to smash out the track.
Rising star Scarlett concentrated on the song sheets in front of her as she learned her lyrics with the 33-year-old star.
They looked relaxed but professional, with Scarlett sporting a gorgeous dress and leopard print scarf while Leona picked out a blue silk shirt for their day together.
James Arthur is also making a return to the X Factor by featuring on Dalton’s winner’s single.
Kaiser Chief’s front man Ricky Wilson is the third star taking part and is featuring on Anthony Russell’s version of the track.
Robbie will open Saturday night’s live final by performing his greatest hits with the final 10 acts. They will sing Let Me Entertain You, Rock DJ and Freedom.
The top two performers will sing their potential winner’s single with their featured artist in front of their mentors Louis Tomlinson and Simon Cowell, judges Robbie Williams and Ayda Field and millions of viewers on Sunday’s show – but only the champion will get to release it.
A TV insider said: “The X Factor no longer has a monopoly on the Christmas No1 like in the early days, so this exciting spin on the winner’s single will ensure it is in the running.
“James, Leona and the Kaiser Chiefs are friends of the show and were happy to lend their vocals to the winner’s singles, even though only one of the records will see the light of day.
“While Dalton, Anthony or Scarlett have to share the glory, the chance to collaborate with one of the country’s biggest acts on their first ever release is an added perk.”
X Factor bosses roped in the talented trio of acts after a last-minute twist in the 2017 final saw champions Raksu release their winners’ debut single, Dimelo, as a collaboration with Naughty Boy and Wyclef Jean.
Their original song peaked at No2, becoming the most successful winner’s single since Ben Haenow’s festive No1, Something I Need, back in 2014.
Meanwhile, it may look like they’re thick as thieves but Louis Tomlinson says Simon Cowell is getting on his nerves. He admitted: “I knew that Simon was annoying. He’s been annoying me a bit on the panel, but we’ve had a bit of a laugh, so that’s been good.”