Former Haverhill schoolboy and X-Factor star set to release debut solo single
A former X-Factor boyband star has spoken of his excitement as he prepares to release his debut solo single.
Jon Guelas is preparing to go it alone three years after reaching the live finals of the hit show with United Vibe under the mentorship of former Take That star Robbie Williams.
The former student at Samuel Ward Academy in Haverhill will showcase his foray as a singer/songwriter when Wonderland is released on Friday all streaming platforms.
It comes just over a year after the band went their separate ways to pursue solo careers.
Jon said: “It has been a crazy last 12 months. I loved my time with United Vibe and we remain really good friends who support each other.
“But I originally signed up for X-Factor as a soloist and so I have now come full circle.
“It has been frustrating because the pandemic meant I couldn’t understandably do any concerts or public appearances.
“But I am really excited about the single coming out and what lies ahead in the months to come.”
Jon, 20, whose family live near Haverhill, reached the live finals of the 2018 X-Factor and he revealed that he is now hoping to follow the guidance of his former TV mentor.
He revealed: “I always remember the best piece of advice Robbie gave me was when he told me that he was an introvert who completely changed when he went on stage.
“He told me to go and do the same, let myself go, enjoy it and sing like you are singing in the bedroom.
“I’ve taken a year out to find myself – as an artist and as a person. Writing songs on my own has meant a big change but I have really enjoyed the creative process.
“While I have not been able to perform, the events of the last year have meant I have really focused on myself and made me even more driven.”
After leaving X-Factor, Jon and United Vibe toured Asia and performed in front of 70,000 people at Hyde Park.
To read more about Jon's reflections on United Vibe's time on the X-Factor, click HERE
After agreeing to pursue solo careers last January, Jon penned his debut solo single when he was getting over a heartbreak.
But rather than being a mournful and melancholic lookback, Jon said: “Although I was going through a heartbreak, I didn’t want it to be a sad song – especially during these times.
“I wanted to put a positive spin on it. Even when a relationship ends, you can think back to a time when everything was perfect and you were in a Wonderland.”
Wonderland will be released on Friday with a music video on Jon's official VEVO channel.
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