X Factor winner is unrecognisable after new career move seven years on
X Factor star Matt Terry lives a very different life seven years after he was crowned winner of the thirteenth singing show.
The singer, who was dropped by his record label a few years after his win, now performs on cruise ships.
Last month, Matt, 29, took to the stage of the P&O Iona Cruise to show off his musical talent.
He was one of the acts who took to the stage at The Limelight Club on board the vessel and was spotted in action on a travel vlog.
Holidaymakers willing to pay an extra £25-35 were able to enjoy Matt’s vocals as well as a three course dinner.
As he belted his cover tracks from the small stage, the creator behind Life With Lucy told viewers: “We had Matt Terry performing, and if you don’t know him, he was the winner of X Factor in 2016.
“His voice is absolutely incredible, and I would definitely recommend seeing him if he is on your cruise,” she added.
She cut to Matt belting out a Sam Smith number under the blue lighting.
He also treated the audience to his rendition of Stand By Me.
On Instagram, he teamed up with a pianist and his loyal followers were thrilled.
“Saw you perform on Britannia last week. You were brilliant,” wrote one.
“Then, we had a chat when we met in the Thermal suite/Sauna. Was loving chatting with you Matt. I wish you all the success and safe Travels,” they added.
“Omg so good , I love it,” a second chimed.
But not everyone was impressed, one wrote: “I’m sorry you still singing other people songs not having your own its years after X Factor.”
The singer has shaken up his look after he dyed his hair peroxide blonde last year, although it didn’t last long and he was back to dark brown shortly after.
Matt landed a deal with Sony label RCA after beating Saara Aalto to the crown in 2016. Show bosses wanted RCA to turn Matt into the next Olly Murs, who was also signed to the label.
But in an exclusive interview Matt, below, said: “I’m not with Sony any more, as of four days ago.
“I’m in talks with Sony Madrid. In the UK I’ve done my thing. The reaction to my songs has been crazy, they’ve had 60million streams. It’s great but I’m excited to do another album.
“You don’t even really need a label to sell. Fair enough, they plan everything for you, but I can still move forward . . . onwards and upwards.”
Despite not being signed to Simon Cowell ’s company Syco, like X Factor winners Little Mix and James Arthur, Matt said that the mogul has continued to be one of his close aides.
Matt’s album Trouble had the unwanted accolade of becoming the worst-performing debut for any winner of The X Factor. It failed to enter the top ten in the UK Albums Chart, peaking at No29.
He had more success wowing fans with his ability to speak Spanish after collaborating with Enrique Iglesias and Sean Paul on Subeme La Radio, which climbed to the dizzy heights of No10 in the UK Singles Chart.