Singer Josh Cuthbert has claimed Union J were pitted against another boy band while on the X Factor as bosses tried ‘pushing District 3 more’ than them
Union J star Josh Cuthbert has revealed the band was “pitted against” another group while on the X Factor.
The singer, 32, featured alongside JJ Hamblett, Jaymi Hensley and George Shelley as they took part in the ITV singing competition in 2012. They were initially known as Triple J before George was added to the band and reached the live shows. The band eventually finished fourth behind winner James Arthur, but thanks to their popularity they had success with four Top 10 singles by 2014 and several sold-out concert tours.
However, when on the hit ITV show the band faced competition from fellow group District 3. Josh decided to reflect on his X Factor journey with his followers as one asked him what his best memory of the show was. He replied: “It’s gotta be when we knocked the other rival boyband out of the competition in the ‘sign off’ in week 6 of the live shows.
“We were pitted against them the whole competition. To be honest I think at the start… X Factor and Syco were pushing them more than us, however after we smashed it in week 2, we became the boyband the show were backing. So this was a big moment for us!” After their sing off, it was up to the judges to decide who would be going through.
Gary Barlow chose to send home District 3, saying that Union J seemed to “want it more.” Nicole Scherzinger also chose to send District 3 home, telling them: “You have my heart, you really do. But the band I think is a little bit more ready for this is Union J.” Louis Walsh, who was mentor to both bands, refused to cast his vote meaning Union J were saved.
The band suffered a number of breakups over the years as Jaymi decided to leave last year following their 2022 reunion. Union J disbanded in 2019 following several line-up changes, but reformed in honour of their 10th anniversary and performed at the London Palladium for a one-off concert before announcing a UK tour for last year.
However, the tour was cancelled and Jaymi left the group. There were hints of a feud between the bandmates as the reason for his departure, which he decided to address. Jaymi wrote: “Interesting – after leaving, I left with dignity and silence not to air the reasons for my departure! To find out the others are airing it in Insta group chats and phone calls that you charge your fans for! Can’t buy class.”
In a statement, he said: “To all the Union J fans, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to say I am no longer continuing on my journey as a member of Union J. Since day one, our family of fans has brought me love, light and support and has been the main reason for me being such a driving force within the band.
“Last year was the best year of my life being back out on stage with the boys and being in front of you all again,” he added referring to their sell-out reunion show at the London Palladium. “I hoped and dreamed of all possibilities afterwards, but this has not happened for several reasons, and therefore, out of love & respect to the family of fans and my integrity as an artist, I cannot sit and watch the legacy that I have tried to sustain for a decade decay any further.”
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