Former X Factor contestant Danny Dearden has died at the age of 34, leaving fans and friends in shock. The news was announced by his music manager, Denise Beighton, who took to Instagram on April 15, 2025, to share her heartbreak. "Heartbroken to wake up to the news that you’re gone. I have no words right now. Rest easy beautiful boy," she wrote, accompanied by heartfelt photos of Dearden.
Dearden's cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but his passing comes after a difficult health journey. In December 2023, he posted a message thanking the NHS for saving his life, revealing that he had been told he probably wouldn’t be here today. "This year has been a bit of a rocky one, at one point I was told I probably wouldn't be here today…well I am," he shared, reflecting on his struggles with health issues including three rounds of COVID-19, which led to nine seizures and a major stroke.
Despite not making it past the judges’ houses stage of the singing competition in 2014, Dearden established himself as a successful vocalist and songwriter. His biggest hit was as a featured artist in Michael Calfan’s "Could Be You," which has garnered nearly 14 million streams on Spotify. Other notable tracks include "Different Kind of Love," "Come Down," and his collaboration with Calfan, "It’s Wrong." Dearden had built a strong online following, amassing over 15 million streams on Spotify and signing a deal with Sentric Music in 2021.
Dearden was just 23 when he auditioned for X Factor, where he impressed the judges with his rendition of "If You Love Me" by Brownstone, earning a standing ovation. His mentor, Mel B, recalled the impact he made during the competition, stating, "This is so very, very sad. I remember clearly the impact he made on me. I feel deeply for his family and friends – God rest his soul." Mel B had taken him through to the judges’ houses stage alongside other contestants, including Jake Quickenden and Andrea Faustini, but he ultimately did not progress to the live shows.
Fans and friends quickly took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Dearden. One fan wrote, "This is heartbreaking! Danny was a lovely soul," while another exclaimed, "What!?!? No!!! He was such a lovely gent. So so sorry for your loss D, this one is a big shock." The outpouring of grief highlights the impact Dearden had on those around him, both personally and professionally.
In his last weeks, Dearden shared glimpses of his life from the hospital, including a photo of a Costa hot chocolate, which he posted just weeks before his death. He had previously mentioned that he wasn’t in the "best of health recently" and had faced significant challenges over the past year. His dedication to his craft and resilience in the face of adversity were evident as he expressed hopes of returning to music.
Dearden’s journey in the music industry began in an unexpected way. He once revealed that he discovered his singing voice during a drunken karaoke night with friends at the age of 18. "I know I sang pretty average in the first audition, I know I didn’t sing well. I thought, 'I’ve got to up my game here,'" he recalled. This self-discovery led him to pursue music more seriously, and he eventually found his way to the X Factor stage.
The 11th series of X Factor was ultimately won by Ben Haenow, with Fleur East finishing in second place. Dearden’s journey on the show may have been short-lived, but it was a stepping stone that helped him carve out a path in the music industry. His talent and charisma resonated with audiences, and he continued to create music that connected with fans.
As tributes continue to pour in for Danny Dearden, the music community mourns the loss of a talented artist who touched many lives. His legacy will live on through his music, which continues to inspire and entertain listeners around the world. In a world where fame can be fleeting, Dearden’s impact on those who knew him and his fans will be remembered long after his passing.
In the wake of his death, the X Factor family has experienced a wave of sorrow. Just weeks prior, another tragic incident occurred when Zair Guette, a contestant from the Colombian version of X Factor, was kidnapped and killed while traveling to a concert. Such events have left the community grappling with grief and loss.
As fans and friends gather to honor Dearden’s memory, they reflect on the joy he brought to their lives through his music and his kind spirit. His journey may have been cut short, but the impact he made will not be forgotten.
