New Details About 'The Four' Contestant James Graham — Including How He Allegedly Left His Pregnant Girlfriend For Another Competition Show
He's competing on The Four this year and hopes to make it all the way.
Instagram Back in January, reality singing competition The Four: Battle for Stardom debuted on Fox, and one of its contestants is making headlines for his standout performance.
U.K. singer James Graham debuted during the season premiere as one of the original four contestants, and after three weeks of competition, he’s still in the running.
Hosted by Fergie, the show begins with four contestants previously chosen to be part of The Four. Each week on the series, additional contestants audition for the judging panel with hopes of being able to challenge The Four and take one of their spots.
The Four also made headlines last year for the controversy surrounding one of its original judges, music executive Charlie Walk. Walk, who was accused of sexual misconduct by five women, departed the series before last season’s finale and has not been replaced.
Graham, who has made appearances on singing competitions before, told Hollywood Life exactly why he wanted to compete on The Four.
“I loved the challenge, and I live for challenge," he said. "It is perfect. The show is perfect. This show is different. This isn’t a talent show. It is an industry show, which is why I had to do it. It was a great opportunity.”
"I hope America will see that I am not your average 21-year-old. All do respect to Shawn Mendes, who is incredible, and Justin Bieber, who is incredible, but I am not that. I am more of a person who has a voice that is more soul, and that is something I don’t think is on the market right now."
Here are some notable facts about James Graham, one of the contestants to watch on The Four this season:
1. His first solo performance on The Four was a stunning rendition of a classic tune.
For his solo performance on premiere night, Graham chose to sing “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” originally sung by Bonnie Raitt.
Graham delivered smooth vocals throughout his rendition of the song, which has also been covered by George Michael, Boyz II Men, and Adele.
2. He’s defended his seat on The Four against Rebecca Black.
During the season premiere, “Friday” singer Rebecca Black challenged Graham for his seat amongst The Four.
For the challenge, she sang “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia, and Graham performed Leon Russell’s “A Song For You.” Graham’s performance was successful and resulted in him keeping his place in the competition.
Graham was also challenged during the third episode by Christian Gonzalez, who sang his rendition of Drake’s “Hold On We’re Going Home.” After singing “Lately” by Stevie Wonder, Graham managed to maintain his seat in the competition.
3. He competed on The X Factor in 2014.
The Four is not Graham’s first singing competition. He also auditioned for The X Factor during season 11 in 2014. At just 17 years old, he received four yeses from the judges and moved on to the next round.
Though he was eliminated as a soloist during the bootcamp round just one week later, his time on The X Factor that season was far from over.
4. He was a member of the band Stereo Kicks.
Shortly after his elimination as a soloist, The X Factor judge Simon Cowell chose Graham to be part of Stereo Kicks, a newly-formed boy band made up of other failed contestants from that season.
The band, consisting of eight total members, reached fifth place on The X Factor, and subsequently released a single called “Love Me So.”
After less than a year, the members of Stereo Kicks decided to disband because they had not received a record deal.
5. It’s rumored that he left his girlfriend after she became pregnant.
Back in 2014, Molly Ranger claimed to have become pregnant with Graham’s child after meeting and beginning to date him that August. She alleges that, after Graham found out she was pregnant, he said: “we deal with it and get rid of it.”
She miscarried the baby soon after and claims that Graham left her as a result.
“I was lying there in agony having a miscarriage, calling him and he didn’t come. That is the one thing I will never understand,” Ranger said in an interview with The Sun. “He told me he loved me and I was losing his child and he just didn’t pick up the phone.”
6. His past stumbles haven’t stopped him.
Despite the difficulties Graham has faced in his past, he is still committed to achieving his dreams of becoming a famous singer. He hopes to make it all the way to the end of The Four, as he told HollywoodLife in a recent interview: “It is very humbling and I hope to go all the way through.”
He also embraces the support of his fans, which is necessary for anyone hoping to make it in the music industry.