On Ice: Jedward joins many careers that appear to be on hold.
Jedward – John and Edward Grimes – were the surprise hits of last year’s X Factor, but now it seems the dream is over. They have just been ditched by the Sony Music label.
Weeks ago they were just pipped to the number one position with their hit Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby).
As the news broke, mentor Louis Walsh was quick to support his stars.
He said: “I'm completely committed to Jedward and I know they still have a great career ahead of them, the boys have a sell out tour in Ireland that they start straight after The X Factor Tour in April and I am in talks with a major record label about a new deal for them.”
While we hope Louis can help the boys out, let’s have a look at a few of our favourite one-hit wonders.
M/A/R/R/S – Pump Up The Volume. This was a world-wide hit in 1987 and, apparently, was a milestone in the development of British house music. Generates a lot of fist pumping at wedding parties now.
Leon Jackson – When You Believe. Technically speaking Leon had two hits, the other being Don’t Call This Love, and is still ‘working’ on his music, but somehow he seemed to fit into this list. The 21-year-old from Whitburn, West Lothian, won X Factor 2007 but was dropped by Sony BMG in 2009.
Michael Andrews – Mad World. A slow version of the Tears For Fears song that was recorded for the Donny Darko soundtrack but released as a single. It was top of the charts at Christmas 2003. Beloved of documentary producers looking to create mood.
Steve Brookstein - Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now). Steven Desmond was the first X Factor winner even though Sharon Osbourne and Louis Welsh thought he didn’t have the motivation to succeed. He went on to win with the highest number of votes ever received in the final. Earlier this year he played to a 50-strong sell out crowd at the Caradon Inn in Cornwall and he’s booked to support Shalamar next month.
Joe Dolce – Shaddap You Face. One of the ones we love to hate kept Ultravox’s Vienna off the number one spot in 1980. He continues to produce music in Australia where he lives with his wife and near his six children and nine grandchildren.
Nizlopi – JCB Song. Nizlopi were Luke Concannon and John Parker, from Leamington Spa, and JCB Song was about Luke’s troubles with dyslexia at school. It was a hit in 2005. They split earlier this year after 17 years together.
Lena Martell – One Day At A Time. Lena, 69, was born Helen Thomson in Glasgow and had a hit with One Day At A Time in 1979. She didn’t manage another hit single and took time out to nurse her sick mother – although she returned to touring in 2003.
3 of a Kind – Baby Cakes. Were the talk of 2004 with their one-off hit, perhaps most famous for keeping The Libertines from having their first number one with Can’t Stand You Now.
Over the years there have been dozens of others. Use the comment box to let us know if there are any we should have included in our round up.
