A semifinalist on the 2003 series of Idool, Belgian pop singer Udo Mechels eventually became a TV talent show winner on The X Factor two years later. After topping the charts with a cover of the Babys' "Isn't It Time" and debut album U-Turn, he continued his victorious streak by finishing first on the 2007 Flemish song contest Zo Is Er Maar Een with a rendition of Will Tura's "Ik Mis Je Zo." Recruiting a permanent live band, he then released the 2008 follow-up Good Things Coming and 2010's Barrieres in between writing songs for the likes of Herbert Verhaeghe, Matteo Becucci, and Monrose. ~ Jon O'Brien