Simon Cowell is getting the stars of ‘The X Factor: Celebrity’ to record a group Christmas charity single.
The winner of the traditional ‘X Factor’ usually has a winner’s song selected or written for them in a bid to land the Official Christmas No1 in the UK, but with the new celebrity format, the music mogul has decided to switch things back to the earlier days of the original talent show.
Instead of previous years, like last year when the show’s winner Dalton Harris covered ‘The Power of Love’ with James Arthur, Simon – who is joined by Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh on the judging panel – is getting all of the stars who made the live shows to feature on a rendition of Snow Patrol’s ‘Run’.
An insider told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: "Since streaming influenced the charts it’s become incredibly difficult for ‘X Factor’ acts to top the charts on the back of the show, so everyone is being realistic.
"But the winner’s song is just being rested, because a group charity track just seemed a better fit this time round."
Between 2008 and 2011, a charity single was recorded, with each of the covers topping the chart, and profits made went to Help For Heroes and Together For Short Lives.
Previous charity singles have included
This year, it’s reported that the money made from ‘Run’ will benefit the charities Shooting Star and Together For Short Lives.
The likes of ‘Love Island’ group No Love Lost , broadcaster Martin Bashir and ‘Glee’ star Kevin McHale will return for the single, which is to also feature the finalists; Megan McKenna, V5, Max and Harvey and Jenny Ryan.
The reality star, Latin girl group, YouTubers and The Vixen from ‘The Chase’ will go head-to-head to be crowned ‘The X Factor: Celebrity’ champion during the live final on ITV on Saturday (30.11.19).
X Factor: Celebrity stars to release Christmas charity single
