Alexandra Burke is poised for a Christmas number one · 2008-12-15 16:13
X Factor winner Alexandra Burke's win has led to accusations from rival fans that the reality show was biased in her favour.
Supporters of runners-up JLS flooded the internet with complaints that Simon Cowell handed Burke "every advantage" to succeed, including a duet with Beyonce, the US superstar.
Alexandra Burke, 20, also had the good fortune to be mentored by Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole, the highest profile and most popular judge on the programme.
Industry experts said a win for Burke was the best possible outcome for Simon Cowell, who signs the winner to his record label.
"Alexandra potentially has the most international appeal, certainly given what has happened to Leona Lewis. Some people have said she is too similar to Leona but there is room for another great female singer," Paul Williams, editor of Music Week said.
This time last year, the Londoner was performing at weddings and barmitzvahs for ??200 a time. Now she is poised for a Christmas number one with Hallelujah, which is already the most downloaded X Factor single in the history of the show. It is available in shops on Wednesday.
"All I want to do now is have a career like Leona Lewis, make good records and hopefully have a number one on Christmas Day," Burke said.
A leaked X Factor contract disclosed that the winner receives only ??150,000 of the ??1 million prize, with the rest eaten up by recording and marketing costs.
The contract also contained a clause banning contestants from badmouthing Cowell, although Burke has nothing but praise for the man who will guide her career, Telegraph.co.uk informs.
"After the show, Simon told me I’m a very special girl and mustn’t ever change my personality. He said that when he gets back from his Christmas in Barbados, he wants to know I’m the same person I always was," Alexandra said.
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