Matt Cardle

File:Halstead 044.jpg, Essex.]]

Matthew Sheridan Cardle was born on 15 April 1983 in Southampton, Hampshire, to David and Jennifer Cardle (née Horner). He has an older brother called Dominic with whom he has a close relationship. His family lived in Bristol before moving to Essex. He started playing guitar and writing songs at aged 11 and knew from that point that music was what he wanted to do with his life. At this time he also started singing lessons but stopped going after missing a class. He attended a summer band camp through his teens and played in bands. He attended the independent Stoke College in Suffolk, then studied a music course at the Institute in Colchester. He then went on to do a media course at Braintree College. Cardle is a keen skateboarder and spent a lot of his college years at skate parks instead of studying and therefore felt that education wasn't the right path for him. When he was a young adult, he interviewed for a music course at Bournemouth University but he didn't make it. He said he was "probably rubbish at the time."{{Cite web|title=Matt Cardle brings his intimate tour to Bournemouth this weekend|url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/14598100.matt-cardle-brings-his-intimate-tour-to-bournemouth-this-weekend/|access-date=4 July 2020|website=Bournemouth Echo|date=5 July 2016 |language=en}}

In 2005, Cardle joined alternative rock/pop band Darwyn and the band recorded an 11-track album, When You Wake, the band also released a follow-up EP, Little Sunlight in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.unsigned.com/darwyn |title=Darwyn – Rock / Acoustic / Pop Band |publisher=Unsigned.com |access-date=19 December 2012}}{{cite web| author=UK |url=http://www.myspace.com/darwyn |title=Darwyn MySpace website |publisher=Myspace.com |access-date=19 December 2012}} The band described themselves as an acoustic rock band. The band's first album contained tracks "Violet" and title track "When You Wake". They were awarded an Arts Council England grant which they used to record the EP Little Sunlight.{{cite web|url=http://www.unsigned.com/darwyn |title=Darwyn – Rock / Acoustic / Pop Band |website=Unsigned.com |access-date=14 May 2020}} The band played at many festivals including Stortford Music Festival and Brownstock Festival{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/essex/content/articles/2007/10/19/swing_ming_darwyn_feature.shtml |title=Essex – Entertainment – Darwyn |publisher=BBC |date=28 October 2014 |access-date=14 May 2020}} and regularly played at the venue and recording studio Highbarn in Essex.{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Nick|title=X-Factor star Matt Cardle had his singing voice saved five years ago|url=http://www.dunmowbroadcast.co.uk/home/x_factor_star_matt_cardle_had_his_singing_voice_saved_five_years_ago_1_678918?ot=archant.PrintFriendlyPageLayout.ot|access-date=1 April 2011|newspaper=Dunmow Broadcast Recorder|date=15 October 2010}} Cardle and Darwyn band member Ali McMillan also played as a two-piece under the name Darwyn, playing acoustic cover versions of popular songs in venues in and around the Suffolk area {{cite web|url=http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/8441541.I___d_love_to_gig_with_X_Factor_favourite_Matt_Cardle_again/ |title=I'd love to gig with X Factor favourite Matt Cardle again|date=8 October 2010 |work=Daily Gazette |author=Nina Morgan}} and videos of them playing together have gained many views on YouTube.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcd4y69vw0k |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Fcd4y69vw0k |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Darwyn live |publisher=YouTube |date=19 August 2010 |access-date=14 May 2020}}{{cbignore}}

In 2009, Cardle became the lead singer and guitarist of rock band called Seven Summers.{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/843962-matt-cardles-former-band-climb-the-charts-thanks-to-x-factor |title=X Factor's Matt Cardle's ex band Seven Summers climb charts |publisher=Metro.co.uk |date=14 October 2010 |access-date=13 December 2010}} The band performed live on Sue Marchant's BBC radio program, in December 2009. They released their self-titled album in January 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjKcJbHRkeo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/SjKcJbHRkeo |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Interview and performance by Seven Summers on Sue Merchant radio show on 8 December 2009 |publisher=Youtube.com |date=26 September 2010 |access-date=19 December 2012}}{{cbignore}} The album featured alternative rock, pop, urban and folk influences.{{cite web|url=http://www.music.co.uk/reviews/summers-album-review.html |title=Seven Summers Album Review – Music.UK Music.UK |website=Music.co.uk |date=25 January 2010 |access-date=14 May 2020}} The album included the songs "Youngblood",{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9tFrUCu0yU |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625013643/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9tFrUCu0yU |archive-date=25 June 2014 |title=YouTube | website=YouTube |access-date=14 May 2020}} "Way to Be"{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FijSQRkXXx8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907210616/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FijSQRkXXx8 |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 September 2011 |title=YouTube – Seven Summers (Matt Cardle) – Way to be | website=YouTube |access-date=14 May 2020}} and "Dirt"{{Cite news|url=http://unrealityshout.com/blogs/x-factor-check-out-matt-cardles-band-seven-summers |title=X Factor: Check out Matt Cardle's band Seven Summers |date=26 September 2010 |publisher=Unreality Shout |access-date=4 October 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100929055820/http://unrealityshout.com/blogs/x-factor-check-out-matt-cardles-band-seven-summers |archive-date=29 September 2010 }} and the follow-up single "Picture of You". Although the band did not have a recording contract and they distributed their music independently, they reached No.30 on the Official UK Album Downloads Chart{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-downloads-chart/20101219/7003/ |title=Archive Chart |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=25 December 2010}} and No.11 on the Official UK Independent Album Charts for week ending 25 December 2010,{{cite web | url = https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-albums-chart/20101219/131/ |title = Official UK Independent Album Charts | access-date=21 December 2010|publisher = Official Charts Company}} and No.1 on the Official UK Independent Album Breakers Charts for week ending 25 December 2010.{{cite web | url = https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-albums-breakers-chart/20101219/255/ |title = Official UK Independent Album Breakers Charts | access-date=21 December 2010|publisher = Official Charts Company}} Following Cardle's success on The X Factor, the band saw an upsurge in popularity, with their music videos gaining large numbers of views on YouTube.

{{Main|The X Factor (British series 7)}}

File:Matt Cardle Glasgow.jpg

In 2010, Cardle auditioned for the seventh series of The X Factor in front of Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh, singing Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good".{{cite news |url=http://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/8426666.X_Factor_favourite_taking_show_in_his_stride/ |title=X Factor favourite taking show in his stride |date=1 October 2010 |newspaper=Halstead Gazette}} At the Bootcamp stage of the show, he sang "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", a performance which prompted Simon Cowell to say "Why haven't we noticed him before?" and Louis Walsh to say "He's the biggest surprise of today for me!"{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1dAVOT1Eh8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/h1dAVOT1Eh8 |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Matt Cardle : Winner's Story (2010) – Part 1 |publisher=YouTube |date=5 January 2011 |access-date=14 May 2020}}{{cbignore}} He was put through to the Boys category where the age limit was raised to 28, making Dannii Minogue his mentor. Cardle was favourite to win from before the live shows until the end of the series, with some of the shortest odds the show had ever seen.{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2010/09/27/x-factor-2010-matt-cardle-odds-on-favourite-to-win-over-cher-lloyd-524619/ |title=Matt Cardle odds-on favourite to win X Factor | Metro News |website=Metro.co.uk |date=27 September 2010 |access-date=14 May 2020}}

On the first live show he sang "When Love Takes Over" which received high praise from all four judges.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2IjajuZ2jg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/U2IjajuZ2jg |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Matt Cardle sings When Love Takes Over – The X Factor Live (Full Version) |publisher=YouTube |date=9 October 2010 |access-date=14 May 2020}}{{cbignore}} In week five he performed "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" again, which earned him the first standing ovation from all four judges of the series.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3h_He2i7u4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/e3h_He2i7u4 |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=XTRA FACTOR LIVE SHOW E19 P1 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=14 May 2020}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.list.co.uk/article/30603-matt-cardle-leaves-judges-in-tears/ |title=Matt Cardle leaves judges in tears |website=List.co.uk |date=7 November 2010 |access-date=14 May 2020}} It remains his most viewed performance on YouTube with over 34 million views to date. In the semi-final he had to withdraw from a secret X Factor gig in London due to throat problems which saw him almost have to miss the show that weekend.{{cite web|url=http://www.list.co.uk/article/31165-matt-cardle-and-mary-byrne-fall-ill/ |title=Matt Cardle and Mary Byrne fall ill |website=List.co.uk |date=3 December 2010 |access-date=14 May 2020}} In the final he performed a duet with Rihanna.

Cardle was announced the winner on 12 December 2010, after receiving 44.61% of the vote. He received the most votes every week from week two, being beaten only by Mary Byrne in week one.{{cite web|last=Horsley|first=Jon|title=X Factor voting results revealed|url=http://uk.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor-blog/article/37873/x-factor-voting-results-revealed.html|publisher=Yahoo! Entertainment|access-date=13 December 2010|date=13 December 2010}} The week after the series final, Cardle's cover version of "Many of Horror" originally recorded by Scottish rock trio Biffy Clyro and retitled as "When We Collide", topped the UK Singles Chart to become the 2010 Christmas number 1 and remained there for three consecutive weeks.{{cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/rihanna-crowned-queen-of-the-charts-15049989.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720213502/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/rihanna-crowned-queen-of-the-charts-15049989.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 July 2012 |title=Rihanna crowned queen of the charts |work=Belfast Telegraph |publisher=Independent News and Media (Northern Ireland) |date=9 January 2011 |access-date=14 February 2011 }} The song was nominated in the Best British Single category at the 2011 BRIT Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.eadt.co.uk/entertainment/music/essex_matt_cardle_and_olly_murs_in_brit_award_battle_1_774483 |title=Essex: Matt Cardle and Olly Murs in Brit Award battle |work=East Anglian Daily Times |publisher=Archant Regional |date=14 January 2011 |access-date=14 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117115144/http://www.eadt.co.uk/entertainment/music/essex_matt_cardle_and_olly_murs_in_brit_award_battle_1_774483 |archive-date=17 January 2011 }} In June 2012 the song reached the one million sale mark, making it the 123rd single to sell a million copies in the UK and the fourth by an X Factor contestant.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/official-charts-analysis-gary-barlow-tops-album-and-singles-lists/049143 |title=Official Charts Analysis: Gary Barlow tops Album and Singles lists |magazine=Music Week |date=11 June 2012 |access-date=19 December 2012}} In Ireland it is the fourth best selling single of all time, and the best selling single of the century so far, as of 31 December 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=522650004473430&set=vb.155242377880863&type=3&theater |title=Matt Cardle – Spin 103.8 – 31.7.13 |website=Facebook |date=31 July 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10391940_1190574360956077_4438438974775028188_n.png?oh=265a2dd4ae9a1b2bbf5f659718e318cf&oe=571BE6C8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131225445/https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10391940_1190574360956077_4438438974775028188_n.png?oh=265a2dd4ae9a1b2bbf5f659718e318cf&oe=571BE6C8 |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 January 2016 |title=Official Top 100 of the Century |date=1 January 2016 }}

Cardle remains good friends with fellow contestant Aiden Grimshaw{{cite web|author=Julia |url=http://uk.omg.yahoo.com/gossip/the-juice/matt-cardle-aiden-grimshaw-move-over-harry-styles-121432856.html |title=Move over Harry Styles and Nick Grimshaw, Matt Cardle and Aiden Grimshaw are back! | the juice – Yahoo! omg! UK |publisher=Uk.omg.yahoo.com |date=24 July 2012 |access-date=19 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918000914/http://uk.omg.yahoo.com/gossip/the-juice/matt-cardle-aiden-grimshaw-move-over-harry-styles-121432856.html |archive-date=18 September 2012 }} and mentor Dannii Minogue.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}} On 15 March 2011, it was reported that Cardle signed a record deal with Syco Music in a joint venture with Columbia Records, becoming the first The X Factor winner not to be exclusively signed to Simon Cowell's label.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a309024/matt-cardle-signs-joint-record-deal/ |title=Matt Cardle 'signs joint record deal' |website=Digitalspy.com |date=15 March 2011 |access-date=14 May 2020}}

Beyond singing on The X Factor, Cardle says he tries to watch the show in his spare time.

File:Matt Cardle, Hammersmith.jpg, March 2012]]

On 18 August 2011, Cardle revealed that his debut album, Letters, would be released in the UK on 17 October 2011. Cardle said he was nervous about releasing his album as previous male X Factor winners have not been very successful, and female winners Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke enjoyed massive success.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/s103/the-x-factor/singlesreviews/a341746/matt-cardle-run-for-your-life-single-review.html |title=Matt Cardle: 'Run For Your Life' – Single review – X Factor Singles Review – Music |publisher=Digital Spy |date=22 September 2011 |access-date=8 October 2011}} Whilst working on the album Cardle collaborated with various writers including Eg White and James Walsh.{{cite web|url=http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/71882065.html |title=Oh No They Didn't! – Matt Cardle announces new single + album + UK tour |publisher=Ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com |date=11 September 2012 |access-date=19 December 2012}} The album's first single, "Run for Your Life," written by Gary Barlow, was premiered on The Chris Moyles Show on 5 September 2011. Cardle appeared on the BBC Breakfast show on 1 September to give a preview of the video. The video was then premiered in full on 5 September on his YouTube channel. The single was released on 9 October 2011, Cardle performed the song on The X Factor on the same day. He also performed another track from the album, "All For Nothing", on ITV2 show The Xtra Factor. "Run for Your Life" peaked at number six on the UK Top 40 Chart. Prior to the album release Cardle went on a five date tour ending on 3 October at Koko in London. Letters was released on 17 October and debuted at number two on the UK Albums chart and spent 16 consecutive weeks in the top 40.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/singles |title=Radio 1 – Chart – The Official UK Top 40 Singles Chart |publisher=BBC |access-date=19 December 2012}}

A second single, "Starlight", was released on 4 December 2011. It had been originally intended as the first single before "Run for Your Life" was sent to him and was generally better received by fans and journalists.{{cite web| first=Lewis | last=Corner |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a352911/matt-cardle-starlight-single-review.html |title=Matt Cardle: 'Starlight' – Single review – Music Singles Review |publisher=Digital Spy |date=25 November 2011 |access-date=4 January 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://trashlounge.co.uk/5608/matt-cardles-starlight-video-thats-more-like-it/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130707063431/http://trashlounge.co.uk/5608/matt-cardles-starlight-video-thats-more-like-it/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 July 2013 |title=Matt Cardle's 'Starlight' video: That's more like it… |publisher=Trash Lounge |access-date=19 December 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://popledge.co.uk/tag/starlight/ |title=Starlight |publisher=PopLedge |access-date=19 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191459/http://popledge.co.uk/tag/starlight/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 }} Despite this, it only charted at number 185 but sparked a boost in album sales which saw "Letters" return to the top 25 on the album charts shortly after "Starlight"s release. The third and final single to be released from "Letters" was Amazing which was released as an EP, containing a new track called "All Is Said", which Cardle wrote with James Walsh, a new recording of "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and a live version of the album track "Slowly" recorded at the album launch. In February 2012 he embarked on a sell out tour, the Letters Tour. The tour ended on 29 March 2012 at Hammersmith Apollo. In September 2012 he said this was his favourite gig so far in his career.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/matt_cardle_uk/statuses/246675595310800896 |title=Twitter / matt_cardle_uk: @Michelle_Cardle my favourite |publisher=Twitter.com |access-date=19 December 2012}}

On 20 May 2012, Cardle announced on Twitter that he had parted ways with Columbia Records.{{cite web|url=http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/536353/x-factor-2010-winner-matt-cardle-goodbye-columbia-records-it-s-time-to-move-on |title=X Factor 2010 winner Matt Cardle: Goodbye Columbia Records, it's time to move on – now |publisher=Nowmagazine.co.uk |access-date=19 December 2012}} In October 2012, Cardle explained he left Sony through his own choice because he wasn't a priority. "I would just have been left to get on with it while One Direction ruled the planet. Which is brilliant for them – I'm so proud of them – but I needed to be a bit selfish. I asked Sony to let me go and they said okay."{{cite web| first=Lewis | last=Corner |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a409853/matt-cardle-i-left-sony-because-i-wasnt-a-priority.html |title=Matt Cardle: 'I left Sony because I wasn't a priority' |publisher=Digital Spy |date=3 October 2012 |access-date=4 January 2013}} Later, in October 2013 he stated another reason for leaving was because of the lack of control he had with decisions such as "Run for Your Life" being released as his first single instead of "Starlight" which he'd written and preferred.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=566681746736922&set=vb.155242377880863&type=3&theater |title=Matt Cardle – BBC Three Counties Radio – 23.10.13|publisher=8736loll|date=24 October 2013}}

On 9 September 2012, So What Recordings, part of the Silva Screen Music Group, announced that Cardle's second album, The Fire would be released on 29 October 2012 on their label. On 11 September 2012, the lead single, "It's Only Love" was released online on Cardle's YouTube channel as an audio only video. The video for the song was premiered on 3 October. Even though the song was promoted as being the lead single, it was not released as a standalone product and was only made available to buy at the same time as the album, and therefore it did not enter the singles chart. The Fire debuted at number eight in the UK Albums Chart, giving Cardle his second top 10 album. He said the album is more like what he did before The X Factor than Letters, and feels more honest. "I'm getting closer to myself, and getting back to what I do and what I've always done."{{cite web|url=http://thelinc.co.uk/2012/10/matt-cardle-my-new-album-is-more-honest/ |title=Matt Cardle: 'My new album is more honest' |publisher=The Linc |date=3 October 2012 |access-date=19 December 2012}} A second single, "Anyone Else" was released on 31 December 2012. On 10 December 2012 an Unplugged Tour was announced on Cardle's website.{{cite web|url=http://mattcardlemusic.com/matt-cardle-unplugged-tour/ |title=Matt Cardle – 'Unplugged' Tour |publisher=Matt Cardle Music |date=10 December 2012 |access-date=19 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006144527/http://mattcardlemusic.com/matt-cardle-unplugged-tour/ |archive-date= 6 October 2013 }} Tickets went on general sale on 12 December with some dates selling out on the first day.{{cite web|url=http://oran-mor.co.uk/whats-on/matt-cardle-unplugged/?eID=3558 |title=Matt Cardle: Unplugged SOLD OUT |publisher=Oran Mor |access-date=19 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318235358/http://oran-mor.co.uk/whats-on/matt-cardle-unplugged/?eID=3558 |archive-date=18 March 2013 }} The tour ran through April and May 2013 over the UK and Ireland.

On 16 April 2013 Cardle confirmed he was in the process of making his third album in a video message to his fans on Facebook.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151627169218689&set=vb.162530517091918&type=2&theater |title=Thank you! |website=Facebook |date=16 April 2013 |access-date=9 September 2013}} In July 2013, Music Week announced he has teamed up with Absolute Marketing for the album, which is an independent release, having moved on from So What Recordings. The title, Porcelain, was revealed on 19 August 2013, with 28 October 2013 as the release date. It is described as incorporating "everything from Rock, Funk, Soul, Gospel, Pop and Blues to create his most musically diverse piece of work yet."{{cite web |url=http://mattcardle.tmstor.es/cart/product.php?id=15673 |title=Matt Cardle – New Album 2013 (Exclusive Signed Copies) – TM Stores |access-date=15 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819194817/http://mattcardle.tmstor.es/cart/product.php?id=15673 |archive-date=19 August 2013 |url-status=dead }} The first single, a duet with Melanie C called "Loving You", premiered on The Ken Bruce Show on BBC Radio 2 on 2 July.{{cite web|url=http://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/music-news/listen-to-matt-cardle-melanie-cs-loving-you/ |title=Listen to Matt Cardle & Melanie C's Loving You |website=Entertainment-focus.com |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=14 May 2020}} It was released 18 August 2013 and had a positive response on the charts in UK. It reached number 14 on the single chart, number 2 on the Independent charts, number 11 in the Scottish charts and top 50 in the Irish charts. The second single, "When You Were My Girl", was released on 13 October 2013.{{cite web|url=http://mattcardlemusic.com/about/ |title=About |publisher=Matt Cardle Music |access-date=8 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916094321/http://mattcardlemusic.com/about/ |archive-date=16 September 2013 }} On 8 October 2013 Cardle announced he has signed a worldwide publishing deal with BMG Chrysalis.{{cite web|title=Worldwide publishing deal with BMG Chrysalis|url=https://twitter.com/matt_cardle_uk/statuses/387571015531757568|date=8 October 2013|publisher=Twitter|access-date=23 October 2013}} Porcelain reached number 11 on the UK Albums chart. On 25 February 2014, he announced the next single from the album would be "Hit My Heart".{{cite web|url=http://www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/news/bridgwater_news/11032034.MATT_CARDLE__The_FULL_Mercury_interview/ |title=MATT CARDLE: The FULL Mercury interview (From Bridgwater Mercury) |publisher=Bridgwatermercury.co.uk |date=25 February 2014 |access-date=21 June 2014}}

On 28 September, Cardle performed a cover of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" at the Miss World 2013 in Bali, Indonesia.{{cite web|title=The Cast Of Miss World 2013 |url=http://www.missworld.com/News/2013-08-22/The-Cast-Of-Miss-World-2013/ |date=22 August 2013 |publisher=Miss World Official Website |access-date=12 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928004136/http://www.missworld.com/News/2013-08-22/The-Cast-Of-Miss-World-2013/ |archive-date=28 September 2013 }}

The Porcelain Tour in support of the album was announced on 30 October 2013, beginning in April 2014.

{{cite web|title=THE PORCELAIN TOUR 2014 |url=http://mattcardlemusic.com/the-porcelain-tour-2014/ |date=30 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101095654/http://mattcardlemusic.com/the-porcelain-tour-2014/ |archive-date=1 November 2013 }}

On 20 June 2014, Cardle performed a free gig at the Portadown's Got Talent awards, hosted in the People's Park of Portadown, Northern Ireland. The event is part of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland and is supported and backed by the EU.

On 11 May 2015, it was announced Cardle would take over the lead role of Huey Calhoun in a production of Memphis from 6 July 2015 until the end of its run in October.{{cite web|title=Matt Cardle to take on the West End as new Memphis lead|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a646657/matt-cardle-to-take-on-the-west-end-as-new-memphis-lead.html#~pctpomGEd6elzE|website=Digitalspy.co.uk|date=11 May 2015}} It was his first acting role.

In August 2014, Cardle confirmed he was working on his fourth album.{{cite web|title=Matt Cardle – Good Morning Britain – 29.8.14|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfttTBQ3fR4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/TfttTBQ3fR4 |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|publisher=YouTube|date=29 August 2014}}{{cbignore}} In 2016, he embarked on a summer tour, entitled the Intimate and Live Tour, to promote the new material and to test it live before recording.{{cite web|title=MATT CARDLE ANNOUNCES INTIMATE UK TOUR DATES|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/105879/matt-cardle-x-factor-winner-uk-tour-announcement-2016-tickets|website=Gigwise.com|date=8 March 2016}} A limited edition live album recorded from the tour was released shortly after. Cardle explained the longer than usual gap in between albums was because he was "running on empty" around the release of his last album and that he needed to recharge. "What has been brilliant for me this time around is the more relaxed nature of the writing and recording process. I've had gaps where I've been able to live, recharge and become inspired again."{{cite web|last1=Gordon|first1=Naomi|title=Matt Cardle is taking his time with his new album: 'I was on a manufacturing line after X Factor'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/the-x-factor/news/a811621/matt-cardle-manufacturing-line-after-x-factor-new-album-long-process/|website=Digital Spy|date=20 October 2016|access-date=20 October 2016}} He describes it as a lot more electronic than his previous albums.{{cite web|title=Matt Cardle – Radio Manchester 20.3.15|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjC_hoi_uXc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/mjC_hoi_uXc |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|publisher=YouTube|date=20 March 2015}}{{cbignore}}

Cardle's fourth album, Time to Be Alive, was released through Sony on 27 April 2018. The lead single, "Desire", was premiered on BBC Radio 2 on 13 March 2018.

Cardle returned to the West End on 31 July 2018, playing the role of Wally Strand in Strictly Ballroom until it closes on 27 October 2018.{{cite web|title=MATT CARDLE TO JOIN STRICTLY BALLROOM|url=https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/matt-cardle-join-strictly-ballroom-111411131/|website=Officiallondontheatre.com|date=6 July 2018}} Cardle played the role of Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Barbican from 4 July until 24 August 2019. Later in the year he reunited with his former band Seven Summers for a gig in Chelmsford, and they have begun to work to new music together.{{cite web|title=who-matt-cardle-what-halstead|url=https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/who-matt-cardle-what-halstead-3512149|website=essexlive.news|date=7 November 2019}}

Cardle announced the release of "Purple Crayon" on 12 January 2021, ahead of the release of his fifth studio album. The song was released digitally on 15 January 2021. Cardle says, "Purple Crayon is song about my struggles with addiction to Valium and the escape I found through using it. The song's emotions are intertwined with imagery from my favourite children's book Harold and the Purple Crayon."{{cite web|title=Matt Cardle Shares New Single 'Purple Crayon'|url=https://vacancy-mag.com/matt-cardle-shares-new-single-purple-crayon/|website=vacancy-mag.com|date=15 January 2021}} On 26 March 2021, Cardle released the second single from his upcoming album, "We're the Butterflies".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MattCardle/status/1372612903560437760|title=Matt Cardle – We're the Butterflies|website=Twitter|date=18 March 2021|access-date=12 May 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/were-the-butterflies/1553797604?i=1553797606|title=Matt Cardle – We're the Butterflies|website=Apple|date=18 March 2021|access-date=12 May 2021}} On 18 June 2021, Cradle released the EP Purple Crayon.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/purple-crayon-ep/1568131681|title=Matt Cardle - Purple Crayon (EP)|website=Apple Music|date=18 June 2021|access-date=22 April 2023}} On 12 September 2022, Cardle revealed he was working on his fifth studio album.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MattCardle/status/1569365486902599683?s=20|title=Album 5 this way comes….|website=Twitter|date=12 September 2022|access-date=22 April 2023}}

In 2024 it was announced Cardle would star as William Shakespeare in the UK and Ireland tour of the musical & Juliet.{{cite web | url=https://www.westendtheatre.com/227954/news/matt-cardle-to-play-shakespeare-further-casting-announced-for-juliet-uk-ireland-tour/ | title=Matt Cardle to play Shakespeare & further casting announced for & Juliet UK & Ireland Tour | work=West End Theatre | access-date=20 October 2024}}

File:Matt Cardle, Belfast 12.jpg, 2012]]

Cardle is a tenor with a vocal range of around B2-F5.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-GQt_aW1Lc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/s-GQt_aW1Lc |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Matt Cardle Live Vocal Range: B2-F5 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=19 December 2012}}{{cbignore}} Being a fan of heavy metal music from a young age, he had tried to emulate the singing style of his rock heroes such as Kurt Cobain, but found it was damaging his vocal cords.{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/exclusive-x-factor-winner-matt-cardle-gives-his-first-major-interview-2365965.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/exclusive-x-factor-winner-matt-cardle-gives-his-first-major-interview-2365965.html |archive-date=12 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | location=London | newspaper=The Independent | first=Nick | last=Duerden | title=Exclusive: X Factor winner Matt Cardle gives his first major interview | date=9 October 2011}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.eventim.co.uk/matt-cardle-biography.html?affiliate=EUK&doc=artistPages%2Fbiography&fun=artist&action=biography&kuid=449813 |title=Matt Cardle - Biography |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-date=14 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714170851/http://www.eventim.co.uk/matt-cardle-biography.html?affiliate=EUK&doc=artistPages%2Fbiography&fun=artist&action=biography&kuid=449813 |url-status=live }} After taking advice from the owners of Highbarn, a venue in Essex he'd often played at in the past, he had vocal coaching, which helped increase his range and soften his sound.{{cite web|url=http://www.dunmowbroadcast.co.uk/home/x_factor_star_matt_cardle_had_his_singing_voice_saved_five_years_ago_1_678918 |title=X-Factor star Matt Cardle had his singing voice saved five years ago – Home |date=15 October 2010 |publisher=Dunmow Broadcast |access-date=19 December 2012}} He is known for his falsetto and being able to reach notes typically unusual for a male singer.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3UXCub42CY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/f3UXCub42CY |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Matt Cardle sings Just The Way You Are – The X Factor Live show 2 (Full Version) |publisher=YouTube |access-date=19 December 2012}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/matt-cardle/396753787 |title=iTunes – Music – Matt Cardle |publisher=iTunes |date=15 April 1983 |access-date=19 December 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/x-factor-2010-cheryl-cole-says-matt-cardle-had-a-bad-week-with-bleeding-love-video/ |title=X Factor 2010: Cheryl Cole says Matt Cardle had a bad week with Bleeding Love (VIDEO) |publisher=Unreality TV |date=30 October 2010 |access-date=19 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163250/http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/x-factor-2010-cheryl-cole-says-matt-cardle-had-a-bad-week-with-bleeding-love-video/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daD9ZnNphOc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/daD9ZnNphOc |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Matt and Marlon – The X Factor Final 12 Revealed (Full Version) |publisher=YouTube |access-date=19 December 2012}}{{cbignore}} Upon Cardle winning The X Factor he has been involved in what type of music he would like to record, which led to the release of his debut album Letters. Cardle co-wrote eleven of the tracks which appeared on the album and a reviewer noted Cardle's "impressive falsetto".{{cite news| url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/this-weeks-album-reviews-2904850.html?ino=2 | newspaper=Irish Independent | title=This week's album reviews}}

Cardle said he was influenced by everything he has ever listened to,{{cite web|url=http://popdash.com/news/5644/matt-cardle-reveals-influences-of-his-debut-album |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910211205/http://popdash.com/news/5644/matt-cardle-reveals-influences-of-his-debut-album |archive-date=10 September 2011 |title=Matt Cardle Reveals Influences Of His Debut Album – PopDash |access-date=14 May 2020}} being a fan of a range of music. He said, "I love Dave Matthews and Rage Against the Machine are one of my favourite bands, but then again I also love Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, so kind of all sorts really. It's a pretty weird mix."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/x-factor/249049-x-factor-matt-cardle-rebecca-ferguson-katy-perry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407161933/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/x-factor/249049-x-factor-matt-cardle-rebecca-ferguson-katy-perry |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 April 2022 |title=X Factor's Matt Cardle Wants To Work With Katy Perry! |website=Mtv.co.uk |date=7 December 2010 |access-date=14 May 2020}} He cites "Thank U" by Alanis Morissette as the first song he was really inspired by and is a big fan of hers. He has covered this song on tour as well as another of her songs, "Uninvited".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKnBjTGaVV0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/FKnBjTGaVV0 |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Matt Cardle Performing Thank You – Manchester – 29 April 2013 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=14 May 2020}}{{cbignore}} Other artists Cardle cited as favourites when he began singing include Michael Jackson, Kurt Cobain, Pearl Jam and Peter Gabriel.{{cite news

| title = Matt Cardle: Amelia Lily has got what it takes to win X Factor

| publisher = Metro

| date = 22 November 2011

| url = http://metro.co.uk/2011/11/22/matt-cardle-amelia-lily-has-got-what-it-takes-to-win-x-factor-228899/

| access-date = 29 August 2013}}

While recording his debut album, Letters, Cardle took many different artists as an influence; reviews compared tracks to those by artists such as Snow Patrol and Coldplay, as well as Chris Martin.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

{{Main|Matt Cardle discography}}

{{See also|Darwyn (band)|Seven Summers}}

• Letters (2011)
• The Fire (2012)
• Porcelain (2013)
• Time to Be Alive (2018)
• The Great Escape (2025)

• The X Factor Live Tour (2011)
• Letters Tour (2012)
• Unplugged Tour (2013)
• Porcelain Tour (2014)
• Intimate and Live Tour (2016)

{{Further|Amazing (Matt Cardle song)#Lawsuit}}

In 2012, Cardle published the song "Amazing", co-written by himself, with Martin Harrington, Tom Leonard, Ash Howes and Richard Stannard. The chorus of the song was claimed to be plagiarized by Ed Sheeran in the chorus of his song, "Photograph", written in 2013. The lawsuit, ended in 2017, by Harrington and Leonard, which led to a $20,000,000 (£16,000,000) victory.{{clarify|date=June 2020}}{{cite news|author=Hannah Ellis-Petersen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/apr/11/ed-sheeran-20m-dollar-copyright-claim-matt-cardle-x-factor |title=Ed Sheeran may regret Photograph that led to $20m copyright case | Music |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=14 May 2020}}

• {{cite book|title=Matt Cardle: My Story |last=Cardle |first=Matt |year=2010 |publisher=Harper |isbn=978-0-00-742670-6 }}{{cite news|last=Roche|first=Elisa|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/217285/Now-X-Factor-s-Matt-Cardle-will-top-book-charts|title=Now X factor's Matt Cardle will top book charts|date=14 December 2010|newspaper=Daily Express|access-date=14 December 2010}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{IMDb name|4055683}}

{{Commons category|Matt Cardle}}

{{S-start}}

{{Succession box| before = Joe McElderry | title = {{nowrap|Winner of The X Factor}} | years = 2010| after = Little Mix}}

{{S-end}}

{{Matt Cardle}}

{{The X Factor}}

{{Syco}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cardle, Matt}}

Category:1983 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century English singers

Category:21st-century English male singers

Category:English male guitarists

Category:English male singer-songwriters

Category:English pop guitarists

Category:English pop rock singers

Category:English singer-songwriters

Category:English tenors

Category:Musicians from Southampton

Category:People from Halstead

Category:Singers from Essex

Category:The X Factor winners

Category:The X Factor (British TV series) winners

Category:Male actors from Southampton

Category:Actors from Braintree District

Category:Male actors from Essex