It is all over for Ben Haenow and Syco. Ben has been axed by Simon Cowell — just three months after releasing his first single.
Exclusively reported by The Sun newspaper, Simon made the move after Ben’s most recent song Slamming Doors missed the charts altogether, despite getting a coveted performance slot on the X Factor final last month.
An X Factor source said: “Simon made the decision with a heavy heart.
“He was a big supporter of Ben but it’s simply down to business — Fleur East, who came second, has done much better.
Ben's popularity waned as soon as he topped the charts and not even a collaboration with US singing sensation Kelly Clarkson on his second single Second Hand Heart failed to make the Top 20.
A Syco source said: “The relationship between Ben and Syco remains strong.
“Both agree that moving on is the best course of action but are on really good terms. Everyone at Syco is very fond of Ben and wish him well.”
After The Sun revealed the news, Ben released a statement confirming his departure.
"Working with The X Factor and Syco has been the most amazing time of my life and has given me the best possible platform for the start of my career. I have the upmost respect for them both and cannot thank them enough for all the help and everything they have done for me this past year.
I have had the privilege of working with some incredible people, making some great friends and making a great record which I am still extremely proud of. (Which, thanks to you lot has gone on to sell over 100k copies and still going. However, after discussions with the Syco team we both felt it was the right time to move on."
We would like to wish Ben all the luck with his future music.
