Matt Terry’s career won’t be guided by Simon Cowell.
The ‘X Factor’ winner will reportedly release his music through Sony label RCA, rather than the show boss’ own Sony subsidiary, Syco – which looks after the likes of previous contestants Little Mix and James Arthur – as music executives think he could be the next Olly Murs, who will now be one of his labelmates.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Simon and Sony have had a think and believe that Matt is very much an artist in the mould of Olly Murs.
"And to that end, they both believe he should be a label mate of Olly’s on RCA."
Matt’s debut single, the Ed Sheeran-penned ‘When Christmas Comes Around’ is currently on course to take the top spot at the weekend and music executives are hoping it can retain the number one position over the festive period.
The source added: "Everyone is thrilled with Matt’s victory and how brilliantly the winner’s single is doing.
"It’s already been the iTunes number one for well over 24 hours even though it only came out late on Sunday evening.
"’When Christmas Comes Around’ is a fantastic song.
"It perfectly showcases Matt’s talent and also has a real shot at the Christmas number one next week if momentum continues to build."
A Sony Music spokesperson refused to be drawn on Matt’s new home, simply saying: "Matt Terry is now part of the Sony Music family."
The 23-year-old singer isn’t the first ‘X Factor’ winner not to be signed by Syco, as Matt Cardle’s career was overseen by Columbia Records following his 2010 victory, though that year third-placed One Direction were offered a deal by Simon, and second-placed Rebecca Ferguson had a joint contract with Syco and Epic records.
But this series of the show hasn’t left Simon without any new acts for his label, as it emerged earlier this week controversial rapper Honey G has inked a contract with Syco.
She confirmed in a video posted online: "And yes it is true, I am now signed to Simon Cowell’s label, Syco.
"I’m just so happy, I can’t explain how happy I am.
"I hope that everyone goes out, buys the single, supports it. We tear it up and we kill it, smash it. Bring on the album."