Having won over the UK as champion of The X Factor 2014, Ben Haenow today announces the release of his self-titled debut album on Syco Music/Sony Music Australia. Putting himself firmly back on the musical map, Ben has joined forces with the Grammy Award winning singer Kelly Clarkson to produce an immediately striking song that perfectly demonstrates the full-bodied vocals that won him the show, partnered with Kelly’s inimitable powerhouse of a voice – ‘Second Hand Heart’ is the first single off the new album.

Undeniably infectious with a rousing chorus, the solid pop melodies are accompanied by a subtle country-folk undertone, giving the track a confident depth and warmth, which seamlessly compliments the upbeat instrumentation. ‘Second Hand Heart’ is a perfect statement of intent from Ben. Talking about the track, Ben says: “The idea of a feature wasn’t on the cards at first but when I heard the vocals on it I was blown away as it gave the song a whole new dimension. Especially having Kelly Clarkson too. It’s incredible. Her voice is insane. I instantly knew this was the first single."

Ben has spent the last year hard at work in the recording studio in London and LA, co-writing with an A-list of songwriters including Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran), JR Rotem (Rihanna, Maroon 5), Julian Bunetta (One Direction) and Steve Robson (Take That, Olly Murs) to produce a body of work that encompasses his musical influences and reflects his true and honest self. 

In Ben’s own words: “I didn’t want to do an entire album where I was just taking songs from other people. I wanted to be in control too and have an influence so it was a record I was 100% proud and happy putting out.”

A landslide winner on the X Factor under the mentorship of Simon Cowell, Ben’s renditions of ‘Jealous Guy’, ‘Highway to Hell' and ‘Man in the Mirror’ were highlights of the series, and his winner’s single, a cover of OneRepublic’s ‘Something I Need’, was the Christmas No. 1 as well as being the second fastest selling single of the year and achieving platinum status. A true musician through and through, he spent years playing and gigging with his brother Alex to hone his writing and develop his musical influences, giving him the solid foundation to grow into the talented songwriter and performer he is today.