Kevin Simm - Recover (2016)

Kevin Simm first entered the spotlight when he signed up for a televised singing competition, Popstars, in 2001. The show required its contestants to form makeshift pop groups, with the winning group receiving a record deal. Simm's group, Liberty, came in second place (they were narrowly beaten by Hear'Say), although they successfully launched themselves into the wider music industry anyway. After changing their name to Liberty X (for legal reasons), they went on to score a number of U.K. chart entries; their biggest hit, "Just a Little," reached number one in the U.K. charts in 2002. After three full-length albums -- that entered lower in the charts with every release -- the group decided to disband. Several years later, Liberty X looked set to make a return, but the reunion plans were dashed when Simm entered another singing competition, The Voice, as a solo artist in 2016. During his initial appearance on the show he confirmed that Liberty X were officially over. Despite a dramatic journey through the multiple stages of the show, Simm emerged victorious. His win generated a lot of hype in the lead-up to his debut full-length. His debut single, All You Good Friends, was released in 2016 via Universal. ~ Liam Martin