DO not be put off investigating Freedom from Ferguson’s rather lacklustre debut collection.

Freedom is a definite improvement, and showcases a very talented artist with the one thing all former X-Factor stars crave – good songs. Indeed, many a decent vocalist from the talent machine has been let down in the real world with uninspired, weak material.

But on this occasion Miss Ferguson has got it right. She has taken a lead role with the song-writing responsibilities too, albeit aided with some of the best British talent of the day, such as Jarrad Rogers and Eg White, who helped Will Young and Adele achieve critical and commercial acclaim. But for many the highlight will be the collaboration with John Legend on the ballad Bridges.

Time and time again it is often one of the X Factor runners-up who manages to sustain a worthy career. Although Matt Cardle may have won the 2010 contest, Rebecca Ferguson is definitely the act to watch in 2014.