X Factor winners Rak-Su heap praise on Simon Cowell as band eyes chart return following latest career move

Looking back, Ashley Fongho describes The X Factor as one of the defining experiences of his life.

“The X Factor was absolutely amazing,” he said. “From getting to the latter stages and the public not knowing we were through, and having that secret between us, to performing in front of thousands of people in arenas.”

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He went on: “I remember coming out at Jingle Bell Ball and hearing the reaction from the crowd. It all felt absolutely surreal. The further away I get from it, the more surreal it feels.”

While the group’s memories of the programme remain overwhelmingly positive, Mr Fongho admits the transition from television success to the realities of the music industry was not always straightforward.

“The show was incredible and I loved every moment of it,” he said. “Some of the challenges came afterwards.”

He continued: “Maybe The X Factor was such a high that whatever came next was always going to be difficult to compare.”

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Rak-Su have also offered a rare insight into working with Mr Cowell, who mentored the group during their winning run.

“Personally, I don’t have a bad word to say about him,” Mr Fongho said. “He appreciated that we wrote our own material and knew who we were as artists. He facilitated that rather than trying to change it.”

According to Mr Fongho, Mr Cowell was involved selectively, offering ideas on performances while allowing the band to maintain its creative identity.

“There were times when he would come in and say a performance needed to be bigger or suggest a tweak to a song, but generally he let us get on with it. He seemed to trust what we were doing.”

Since winning The X Factor, Rak-Su has amassed millions of streams, released a string of singles and built a loyal fanbase, while members have also pursued opportunities in broadcasting, presenting and business.

The group will now work with Champions Music and Entertainment the UK’s leading agency for party bands and corporate entertainment, as they continue to develop new projects, release music and expand their live performances.

The group believes talent shows still offer a valuable platform for emerging artists, despite changes in how audiences consume entertainment.

Jamaal Shurland said: “It is a great vehicle and always will be. People enjoy that format and that journey. But it’s easy to get swept up in the lights, cameras and excitement if you don’t know who you are as an artist.

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“The music industry is still a business at the end of the day. Talent shows can open doors, but people need to understand what they want from the experience before they go on.”

Mr Fongho is less convinced a revival of The X Factor would enjoy the same cultural impact today.

“I don’t think it would be quite the same now,” he said. “People consume entertainment differently and watch less traditional television than they did during the show’s peak.”

Fellow band member Myles Stephenson described his time on the show as “incredible”, saying the experience of performing live every week remains a career highlight.

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“It was an amazing time,” he said. “Week after week, we were performing on huge stages and connecting with audiences all over the country. Those are memories that stay with you.”

While acknowledging there were challenges after the show, Mr Stephenson said the experience ultimately shaped the group’s journey.

“I completely understand that the music industry involves difficult commercial decisions,” he said. “When you’re a young artist, those moments can feel very significant because they affect the direction of your career.

“Looking back, I can appreciate the realities of the business, but it was still a learning experience for us as young artists trying to navigate everything.”

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Despite those challenges, Rak-Su remains grateful for the platform that introduced them to millions of viewers.

“The X Factor changed our lives,” Mr Fongho said. “Whatever happened afterwards, nobody can take away what we experienced together.”

Joe Burton, senior agent at Champions Music, said: “We’re delighted to have Rak-Su sign exclusively to the Champions family.

“We’re very excited to see how their journey progresses and for what the future holds for this extremely talented trio.”