The Four: Battle for Stardom’s second season has come to an epic close with the UK’s James Graham being crowned the winner.
James Graham’s hometown of Chelmsford is no doubt celebrating today after he won The Four: Battle for Stardom’s sophomore season. Graham performed Coldplay’s “Fix You” to defeat runner-up Sharaya J who performed her own original song “Say Less” in the final head-to-head matchup. The English vocalist had eliminated Leah Jenea Gaines prior with a rendition of Adele’s “Hello” to advance to the finals. Originally, Gaines had eliminated Graham from his Four seat back in Week 6 after he’d made it through the whole competition unscathed. Graham evened up that rivalry to 1-1 and ultimately reigned victorious on The Four’s season 2 finale. There can only be one, and Graham claimed his throne to be inked in the pages and lore of The Four’s history as royalty.
Chelmsford’s own returned prior in Week 7’s comeback episode to face formidable opponent, rocker Jesse Kramer in a head-to-head matchup that could have gone either way but Graham advanced. He’d go on to dispatch JeRonelle McGhee from his Four seat and land a spot in Week 8’s final Four showdown.
It’s not Graham’s first rodeo in a vocal competition of the sort, previously finishing fifth on season 11 of The X-Factor with pop / R & B group Stereo Kicks. Despite Stereo Kicks’ debut single “Love Me So” charting at #31 on the UK’s Singles Chart, the group disbanded just one month later citing being unable to land a record deal. That’s all in the past now for the Essex singer after winning season 2 of The Four: Battle for Stardom. Not only will panelists Sean “Diddy” Combs, DJ Khaled, Meghan Trainor and host Fergie, “shepherd the winner’s career and be fully invested in making him or her a breakout star,” but he joins iHeartMedia’s elite “On The Verge” development program. Meaning radio airplay across iHeartMedia radio stations nation wide.
James Graham’s Winning Performance on The Four’s season 2 finale:
Graham’s performance of Coldplay’s “Fix You” had the crowd get emotional and Meghan Trainor literally get out of her seat to cheer. Even finalist rival Sharaya J smiled and clapped as DJ Khaled sounded an air horn and the whole audience gave a standing ovation. James Graham sealed the deal in the history books as The Four: Battle for Stardom’s season 2 winner succeeding Evvie McKinney, the inaugural Four winner.
There’s still time to embark on a career of a lifetime by auditioning to be on a potential (and likely) season 3. Want to showcase your top tier talent to the world? Here’s your chance, the show is currently auditioning for performers and you can apply at this link. You must be 16 years of age or older to apply and be a United States resident.
Miss an episode of The Four: Battle for Stardom? You can catch up on the first and second seasons episodes at FOX.com. The two seasons are also available for streaming for all Hulu subscribers.