So the debate rages on - does the X Factor genuinely uncover new talent and nurture it to longevity, or is it just a cashcow for Simon Cowell and ITV? Steve Brookstein was the show's first winner, and you'd be lucky to find anyone who remembers his name these days, while Shayne Ward would appear to have an uphill battle on his hands to establish his own identity post-talent show.
Leona Lewis is the lastest young star to be shoved unblinking into the limelight, having beaten swing-obsessed, perma-crying munchkin Ray Quinn. A Moment Like This is the obligatory Cowell-endorsed slushy piano ballad (originally written for Kelly Clarkson), with an uplifting chorus and even a choir on backing vocals. Lewis does have enough charisma, and a terrific voice, to make the song her own, but it's still a bit anonymous.
None of which matters of course, as all those X-Factor fans will be rushing out to buy it no matter what and it'll no doubt claim the Christmas number one. Yet Lewis' performances on the show showed that she is a genuine talent - if she can follow the example of Will Young and do it her way, then we may well have a real star on our hands. She'll have to have a better song than this own though to ensure she doesn't go the way of previous winners.
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