The singer was a controversial figure on this year's series before he was eliminated in the eighth week of the live shows.
© Rex Features / Ken McKay/Thames
"It's changed my life," Clark told Metro of The X Factor.
"Hopefully, it will open doors for me. This is the start of the rest of my life, I hope. I'm so grateful.
"I've always wanted something like this but wanting it and actually having it happen are two different things."
X Factor novelty acts - photo gallery:
10. Gary Barlow's Frankie Cocozza turned into a novelty act on The X Factor last year, before leaving the show after being overheard talking about abusing drugs.
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Copyright: Rex Features Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex Features
He added: "I think I started the show as one of the most hated people in the country."Now I think I'll be remembered for being myself and being true to myself. I'm the same person that started the show - that's what I wanted and it's what I've got, so I'm over the moon."
Clark was recently named as the third most talked-about trend on Facebook during 2012.
The model has also been tipped for a place on next year's Celebrity Big Brother.
Watch Digital Spy's recent interview with Rylan Clark below:
