James Arthur was the victor of the British X Factor's ninth season in 2012, winning the public vote with a rendition of Shontelle's rousing ballad "Impossible." Born in Middlesbrough, England, Arthur had written and performed in various bands since the age of 15, as well as performing solo in pubs and bars in his hometown. Many of the singer/songwriter's early recordings illustrate the pop/rock and hip-hop influences that helped shape his unique voice and style. Before he appeared on The X Factor, Arthur made it into the final 200 contestants of the U.K.'s The Voice TV series ...