'X Factor' John Adeleye won MOBO award

X Factor hopeful John Adeleye has previously won a MOBO award and been signed to a record label.

The 29-year-old singer, who is being mentored by Louis Walsh on this year's show, used to perform under the name J'Nay and has toured with Jamelia. He also bagged the MOBO for Unsung Artist of the Year in 2003.

According to The Sun, Adeleye was working for the Universal-Island label and penned tracks with Lisa Stansfield and Guy Chambers during his time there.

Adeleye has been billed as a care worker on the reality show and was described as an "honest guy" by Simon Cowell after his opening audition performance of 'You Are So Beautiful'.

An X Factor rep commented: "John doesn't have a recording contract and is eligible to be in the competition."

The first X Factor live show airs on Saturday at 7.40pm on ITV1.