What kind of platform did The X Factor provide for your music career?
"It gave me a huge platform. Overnight, I was known not only in the UK, but also in different places around the world because of the Internet. It was a bit crazy for me. One day, I walked down the street without being hassled, and the next, people started stopping me and asking for my autograph."
Do you have any advice for performers on singing competitions?
"Do what you want to do. If you're given a song that you don't like, make sure that you do make a fuss over it and say no. I wish I would've done that a bit more. I did anyway because I was a bit rebellious. But it's your life and your career; do what you want to do."
What is your dream collaboration?
"My current plan is to get Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj on the same track with me. I just worked with Snoop Dogg on a remix for my song 'Want U Back.' I haven't even met him yet, and he's been so nice about me when he does interviews. It doesn't go into my brain. I hear that he says nice things, and I'm like, 'wicked!' Then, I sit down before I go to bed and I think, I can't believe this. This is actually happening."
What music are you currently listening to?
"I love Kid Cudi. There's this song called 'Pursuit of Happiness.' I want to re-do it. Maybe re-write it, keep the hook, change everything else… maybe I'll do an acoustic version of it first and see what people say."