X Factor USA, renowned for discovering and nurturing extraordinary talents, has been a staple in the American music scene since its inception. With a total of three riveting seasons, the show has been a launchpad for several singers who have gone on to make it big in the music industry.
This article delves into the journeys, performances, and successes of 15 of the most successful singers from X Factor USA. Their unique voices and compelling stories are sure to captivate you. Stay tuned as we learn about these exceptional artists. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
1. Camila Cabello
Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello‘s music career began with an audition for The X-Factor USA in 2012. This led her to become a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony, which finished third that season.
Cabello’s time with Fifth Harmony was indeed transformative, but it was her decision to embark on a solo career in 2017 that truly allowed her to explore her musical prowess.
A year later, she released her chart-topping debut album, Camila. It contained one of her greatest hits, “Havana.” The song, now Diamond certified by the RIAA, received three American Music Awards and two MTV Europe Music Awards, among many other accolades.
Over the years, Cabello has released a plethora of singles and collaborations that have reached the top of the charts worldwide, like “Señorita” with Shawn Mendes. Today, she continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
2. Normani
Like Camila Cabello, Normani‘s first taste of fame came from her participation in The X Factor USA in 2012 as part of the girl group Fifth Harmony. Despite their popularity, Normani’s individual talent was too bright to be contained within a group setting, and she embarked on a solo career in 2018.
Her solo career took off with a bang when she collaborated with Khalid on the song “Love Lies,” which was a massive hit. Since then, she has been unstoppable, releasing hit single after another, like “Dancing with a Stranger” and “Motivation.”
As of now, Normani has not released an official debut album, but the grapevine is excited with news that it might be coming in soon — something we can all look forward to!
3. Bea Miller
Like the many singers you’ll find on this list, Beatrice Annika “Bea” Miller gained popularity when she competed in the second season of The X Factor USA (2012), where she finished in ninth place.
Despite not winning the competition, her talent, voice, and charismatic performances made a lasting impression on viewers and industry professionals.
After her stint on The X Factor, Miller signed a recording contract with Hollywood Records. Her debut EP, Young Blood, was released in 2014. It reached #2 on the iTunes pop chart and won Best Song to Rock Out to With Your BFFs from the Radio Disney Music Awards.
A year later, Miller released her debut full-length album, Not an Apology, which reached #7 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. This album includes her hit single “Fire N Gold,” which has been certified Gold by the RIAA.
4. Carly Rose Sonenclar
Next up is Carly Rose Sonenclar, an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Born and raised in New York City, Sonenclar started her professional acting career at an early age.
Sonenclar’s journey to stardom began in 2006 when she performed in the play The Night of the Hunter. That same year, she made her Broadway debut as Young Cosette in Les Misérables. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career in the entertainment industry for Sonenclar.
One of the pivotal moments in Sonenclar’s career was when she became the runner-up on the 2nd season of The X Factor. Her remarkable performances on the show earned her critical acclaim and helped establish her as a talented vocalist.
Over the years, Carly has participated in several collaborations and tours, further solidifying her position in the music industry. She has also released an EP (Wild) and many singles, the latest of which is “I’ll Save a Place” (2022).
5. Rachel Crow
Colorado native Rachel Kelly Crow first captured the public’s attention when she competed in the first season of The X Factor USA in 2011 at the age of 13 — the youngest on this list. Her powerful voice and bubbly personality quickly made her a fan favorite, and she finished the competition in fifth place.
Following her time on The X Factor, Crow signed a music deal with Columbia Records and a TV deal with Nickelodeon. In 2012, she released a self-titled EP, which included the single “Mean Girls.” The song was well-received, and its accompanying music video quickly racked up millions of views on YouTube.
As an actress, Crow has lent her voice to characters in popular animated films like Rio 2 and Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh. She’s also appeared in several TV shows, including Nickelodeon’s Figure It Out and Big Time Rush.
6. Diamond White
When she was a young girl, Diamond White already had her feet in the entertainment industry. At just the age of eight, she was part of Oprah Winfrey’s musical The Color Purple.
Her journey to stardom took a significant turn with her participation in the second season of The X Factor USA in 2012. Her soulful voice, coupled with her charismatic performances, quickly made her one of the standout contestants on the show.
Despite facing early elimination, White was brought back as a wildcard, a testament to the impression she had made on both the judges and the audience. She eventually finished in fifth place, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Beyond singing, White has also made a name for herself as a voice actress. She has lent her voice to several characters in various animated series, including Transformers: Rescue Bots and The Lion Guard.
7. Carlito Olivero
Our next X Factor talent is Carlito Olivero. Donning many hats, he is not just a singer but also an actor, songwriter, music producer, and dancer. He’s a talent powerhouse of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent from the windy city of Chicago, Illinois.
His early career took flight with the TV show Making Menudo, earning a spot as one of the boys in the band Menudo from 2007 to 2009. This was his first taste of fame, a stepping stone that led him to bigger and brighter stages.
Then came The X Factor in 2013. As a finalist on this popular reality show, Carlito had the chance to showcase his unique musical style, a fusion of Latin pop and R&B. His performances resonated with viewers, and his fan base began to grow.
8. Chris Rene
Before gaining national recognition, Santa Cruz, California, native Chris Rene was part of a band called Diversion. This experience allowed him to experiment with different sounds and styles, aiding him in developing his signature sound — a blend of rock, rap, R&B, pop, and hip-hop.
His big break came when he auditioned for the first season of The X Factor. Despite the intense competition, Rene’s talent shone through, and he finished third in the competition, propelling him to national fame.
Riding on this wave of success, Rene released his debut album, I’m Right Here. It featured one of his greatest songs, “Young Homie,” which topped the chart in New Zealand and reached Platinum status.
However, like any good story, Rene’s journey was marked by personal struggles that could have easily derailed his career. But instead of letting these experiences defeat him, he used them as fuel for his music, creating songs that resonate with listeners the world over.
9. Josh Krajcik
From a young age, Josh Krajcik was always passionate about music. Later on in his teenage years, he would play gigs in bars around Wayne County, Ohio.
His musical journey took an exciting turn when he auditioned for the first season of the American version of The X Factor in 2011. With his raw talent and unique voice, Krajcik quickly became a fan favorite and ultimately finished as the runner-up.
Following his success on The X Factor, he embarked on a solo career. His debut album, Blindly, Lonely, Lovely, was released in 2013 to positive reviews.
Over the years, Krajcik has continued to evolve as an artist, experimenting with different musical styles, from blues and soul to rock and pop. His works have left an indelible mark on audiences nationwide.
10. Rachel Potter
Next up is the singer Rachel Potter. She is not only known for her country-pop sound and Broadway performances, but she also gained wider recognition through her participation in the American version of the show The X Factor.
In 2013, Rachel auditioned for the third season of The X Factor USA. Her rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” during her audition stunned the judges and the audience alike, earning her four “yes” votes and a ticket to the next round.
Throughout the competition, Rachel continued to impress both the judges and the public with her performances. Her country-infused renditions of popular songs showcased not only her vocal prowess but also her ability to transform and put her spin on any song.
Despite her undeniable talent and captivating performances, Rachel was eliminated during the live shows. However, her journey on The X Factor was far from a loss. The exposure from the show helped catapult her music career, introducing her to a broader audience and opening up new opportunities in the music industry.
11. Melanie Amaro
Next is Melanie Ann Amaro, a name synonymous with talent and victory. This American singer won the first season of The X Factor USA in 2011 under the guidance of Simon Cowell. The win earned her a $5 million recording contract.
Post-victory, Melanie’s career took off. Her soulful voice, coupled with her ability to portray deep emotions through her songs, set her apart from others.
Her singles have been well-received by both critics and fans, particularly her debut single, “Don’t Fail Me Now,” which reached #8 on Billboard‘s Hot Dance Club Songs Chart.
As a gifted artist, Melanie is one to keep an eye out for, as she is bound to continue making waves in the music world.
12. Marcus Canty
Born in Washington, D.C., Marcus Canty displayed a passion for music early on. When he was older, his mother encouraged him to pursue a musical career and even pushed him to audition for the first season of The X Factor.
Canty finished fourth in the competition, but that didn’t slow his momentum. His first single, “Won’t Make a Fool Out of You,” in 2012, was even featured in the film Think Like a Man. Other notable songs from him are “In & Out” and “Used by You.”
In 2020, Canty surprised fans by announcing a new EP called Jazzy Knights. It showcases his blend of jazzy soul and traditional R&B — something worth listening to!
13. Jeff Gutt
Before The X Factor, Jeff Gutt was already well-known in the Detroit music scene as a vocalist. He had toured with several rock bands before auditioning for The X Factor in 2012.
However, he did not make it to the live shows. Despite this, he didn’t lose hope. Displaying true rock-and-roll spirit, Gutt returned for the third season, where he earned the runner-up spot with his electrifying performances.
Gutt’s big break came when he replaced the late Scott Weiland as the lead vocalist for the legendary rock band Stone Temple Pilots in 2017. The band’s self-titled album, released the following year with Gutt at the helm, received rave reviews.
14. Tate Stevens
Country singer Tate Stevens probably wasn’t expecting he would win the second season of The X Factor USA in 2012, but that’s what happened. Now, the Missouri native’s name is in the annals of music history.
After his victory, Stevens debuted with a self-titled album. Well received by fans and critics alike, it peaked at #4 on the Country chart. He went on to release two singles in 2013 and 2014 and an EP, Sweet Life, in 2016.
Following Sweet Life, there hasn’t been much word on Stevens’ plans or whether he would be releasing another album. But despite the lack of news, his down-to-earth personality and dedication to his craft have earned him a loyal fan base who eagerly await more of his music.
15. LeRoy Bell
Before his stint on The X Factor, LeRoy Bell had already made significant contributions to the music industry. He was part of the duo Bell and James alongside Casey James. The pair is best known for their hit song “Livin’ It Up (Friday Night),” which reached #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1979.
Then, in 2011, he competed in The X Factor USA‘s first season, finishing in eighth place. Despite not winning the competition, his soulful voice and charismatic performances left a lasting impression on viewers and judges.
Singing aside, Bell is also a talented songwriter. Two of his songs, “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” and “Are You Ready for Love,” were recorded by Elton John and reached the top 10 in the charts.
Summing Up Our List Of Greatest Artists From The X Factor USA
As we draw this post to a close, we’ve seen how The X Factor USA” has been a stepping stone for many gifted singers who have since made waves in the music world.
From Bea Miller to LeRoy Bell and genres ranging from pop to country and rock, this show has unveiled a plethora of talent that continues to shape the music industry.
If you think we missed out on any deserving X Factor USA singers, let us know, and we’ll add them here for you!
