Photo: wenn.com
X Factor winner James Arthur has shot straight to the top of the UK iTunes chart with his debut single 'Impossible'.
The singer has covered Barbadian singer Shontelle's 2010 hit 'Impossible' as his winner's song, the first year that finalists were allowed to pick their own choice to cover. Arthur takes the new iTunes No.1 spot ahead of a new collaboration between American heavyweights Britney Spears and Will.i.am, who enter at No.2 with their 'Scream & Shout' track.
Arthur won the X Factor after a showdown with rival singer Jahmene Douglas. Douglas had recorded a cover of The Beatles' 'Let It Be' as his potential winner's song.
The track has been released early to avoid an embarrassment in the Christmas chart. In previous years, campaigns have been launched in attempts to prevent the talent show winner securing the festive top spot. However, with strong sales of 'Impossible', Arthur is now a favourite to score the Christmas No.1.
James Arthur is mobbed by fans during this weekend's X Factor finals
'Impossible' was a No.16 UK hit for Shontelle in 2010. It was taken from her second album No Gravity and was written by Swedish duo Arnthor Birgisson and Ina Wroldsen.
Shontelle was touted as 'the new Rihanna' when she debuted her 'T Shirt' single in 2008. However, she has not released any music since her 2011 single 'Say Hello To Goodbye'.
Watch Arthur perform his single 'Impossible' below
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