For many contestants, stepping away from the spotlight of The X Factor signals the end of their musical ambitions. But for Chris Leonard, the Irish musician who found fame on the ITV show in 2014, it was merely the beginning of an extraordinary journey that has taken him around the globe and into studios with award-winning artists.
A Different Path After Stereo Kicks
Chris Leonard, now 30 and originally from County Meath, was part of the eight-piece boy band Stereo Kicks during his time on the talent show. While the group disbanded just a year after its formation, Leonard's passion for music only intensified. Rather than returning to a conventional job, he channelled his energy into pursuing his authentic sound.
Today, he tours internationally with his band, Shillelagh Law, and has collaborated with an impressive roster of musicians. These include James Fernley of The Pogues, singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, and Andy Burrows from Razorlight. Perhaps most notably, he has worked on music with Grammy Award-winning producer Ted Hutt in Los Angeles.
Returning to His Irish Roots
Leonard exclusively shared that his heart has always belonged to traditional Irish music, a heritage instilled in him by his father, also a musician. "I've always done Irish music," he stated. His initial goal on The X Factor was modest: to reach Bootcamp, gain a small following, and then promote his own Irish-inspired work. Being placed in a pop band was a detour, but one he always intended to correct.
"I always knew I wanted to come back home, put together an Irish trad band – it's what I was raised on and known all my life," Leonard explained. Shillelagh Law is the realisation of that dream, and their music, which pays homage to these deep roots, has even been played on BBC Radio 2.
He sees himself as part of a significant resurgence in appreciation for Celtic culture, citing bands like the Irish-language hip-hop trio Kneecap for pushing boundaries. "They're putting Irish language on a stage that's never really been at before," he praised, noting it inspires people to reconnect with their heritage.
The Double-Edged Sword of Reality TV
Reflecting on his time on The X Factor, Leonard described it as a "real mixture" of experiences. He revealed the intense pressure affected his mental health, leading to the development of an eating disorder after the show. He felt constantly scrutinised over his image, which didn't reflect his true personality.
"If it wasn't for X Factor, I wouldn't get to do the things I'm doing today," he acknowledged, expressing gratitude for the opportunities. However, he advised future reality TV stars, like the band December 10 from Simon Cowell's Netflix show, to "stay humble" and "keep your feet on the ground."
Valuable counsel came from an unexpected source during his time on the show: members of JLS. Sitting in Louis Walsh's dressing room, they warned him about the sudden end of the "X Factor bubble" and the importance of preparation. "I'm so grateful for that," Leonard said.
Looking to the Future
Chris Leonard and Shillelagh Law have no plans to slow down. They are currently touring in Norway, with a London show scheduled next month, followed by a return to the United States. A new EP is imminent, and more music created with producer Ted Hutt is on the way.
"We just have to keep our eye on the ball now and keep working hard," Leonard said, determined to share authentic Irish music with as wide an audience as possible. His journey from a TV talent show contestant to a globe-trotting musician celebrating his culture is a testament to his determination and artistic integrity.
