Music
Leon Jackson: 'When You Believe'
Released on Wednesday, Dec 19 2007
Published Monday, Dec 17 2007, 00:46 GMT | By Nick Levine | 125 comments
Wisely, Jackson's warm, manly tones aren't caked in too much production gloop: the percussion's relatively subtle, the strings are as tasteful as the Nigella Express kitchen, and the obligatory gospel choir doesn't swoop in until after the three minute mark - pretty restrained by X Factor winner's single standards. Most impressively of all, Jackson brings some real dignity to the song's anodyne lyrics, repaying the faith that the British public has placed in him. The Scottish swingster has navigated this rite of passage with ease; what he comes up with next is almost as appetising as that Sharon vs. Dannii catfight we've all been promised.
> Click here to watch the video for 'When You Believe'
Your Views
125 Comments
Your Responses
:O Love the song, love HIM! Going to see him this week, that's how much I like him! :)
Leon has a beautiful voice and wonderful personality. I've played his song for friends here and they agree that he will be an international star. I eagerly await his album.
Totally amazing. His beautiful unique voice blows you away.
I absolutely love this song with his gorgeous tones and i can't wait for his album. A deserving winner!!!
This is terrible, the boy cannot sing. Someone bring on Ray to save the days of Swing. Mariah and Whitney should be going mad at this point. This classic track should never have been covered - I imagine Rhydian did not like his own rendition. Rhydian knows when a classic should be left alone.
for people who think rydian should win,are you mad or deaf? did you listen both singing (when u beleave) if yes,use ur brain and agree that leon is a star. your are just jealous of him.sorry he won,and deserved, it bad luck.
Now what are all you people saying who said it was a load of rubbish!!! Leon is now rightfully at the top of the charts with this beautiful song so now you know the voting was right. Give Leon a little time and training and I guarantee he'll be our next Sinatra!!! His voice is very powerful and very, very special - and now its been proved. Well done, Leon!
The worst song in the world and worst singer!
Leon's song is fantastic so glad you won good for him he has inspired me on to sing
Leon Jackson... not as good as his brother Michael is he?
I think the people who voted for Leon are brain dead or tone-deaf. His voice is screeching, he is struggling to sing. They should have their ears examined.
This is the worst cover I have ever heard. It is just sad.... and sooooo boooooooring!
Sour grapes! Rhydian was so full of his own importance. He gave me the creeps to watch. His voice should be good with all the training he has had. Niki should have won the x factor but Leon did on the night so leave him be he is only a lad and I thought he sang the song beautifully...with feeling. So good luck Leon.
Why do the X factor winners always get the most cheesiest songs ever? The way I see it Rhydian and Same Difference will do fine, I think if Leon hadn't won though no one would ever hear from him again, he needed to win to get anywhere. I do think Leon sings this song very well, but will he just be a one hit wonder, only time will tell!
There is a little problem - Leon cannot sing. Rhydian was the best XF contestant EVER!!! The terms "favoritism" and "unfair advantage" come to mind...
Beautifully sung and a worthy winner. Rhydian belongs with Andrew Lloyd Webber, not in the pop chart.
I am sure if Leon had a choice it would not have been this song, however he sings it extreemly well. I adore his voice. I think he and Rhydian were equally as good in their own style but I preferred Leon from the start. Oh and incidently I had problems voting for LEON!!
Loved the song sung by Rhydian!!
Good luck to Leon, but to be honest Rhydian should have won the X Factor based on his superb performances week after week.
i loved the song and i have listen to it 100 time now