X Factor star Kye Sones looks unrecognisable 12 years after his debut on the show

X Factor star Kye Sones looked barely recognisable 12 years after his singing debut on the show – as he posed up for a sweet selfie with celeb pal Fearne Cotton.

The broadcaster, 43, took to Instagram to pay a heartfelt birthday tribute to her beloved singer friend last year as he turned 41 – proving the duo’s strong bond.

Appearing worlds away from his past edgy look, Kye, now 42, rocked a fresh slicked hairstyle as he showed off his best smile and flashed a peace sign as he embraced Fearne.

Meanwhile the presenter looked over the moon in the joyful snap, grinning from ear to ear, as she opted for a stylish pink jumper. 

Kye, who is also a godfather to her son Rex, was praised for his ‘incredible’ music in a sweet Instagram nod.  

Kye pictured on X Factor in November 2012

She captioned: ‘Happy birthday @kyesones. Here’s to another year of making your dreams come true, travelling to new places (literally and metaphorically), and making incredible music. 

‘We love you to the moon Kyesta.’ 

Kye first stunned audiences when he joined the hit signing contest in 2012 and although he finished up in the eight place – he was quick to become a fan’s favourite.

And throughout time, the performer maintained his status, earning a BRIT nomination and becoming the live vocal performer for Belgian hitmaking DJ Lost Frequencias.

The singer also ‘made history’ as he took to the stage of the legendary Tomorrowland with the producer – as the first live band to ever play at the main stage.

London-born Kye has become well-known for his ‘soulful vocals and songwriting’ around the world – flaunting also collaborations with the likes of KC Lights, Ben Nicky, Pat Lok, Andrew Rayel and many more.

He has proudly written songs for music legends as David Guetta and Becky Hill.  

Meanwhile his Instagram followers list boosts celebrities including Denise Van Outen and Michelle Heaton, AJ Odudu and Gok Wan.

Kye first stunned audiences when he joined the hit signing contest in 2012 and although he finished up in the eight place – he was quick to become a fan’s favourite; pictured with Rylan Clark (left) and host Dermot O’Leary (middle)

Kye is pictured in November 2012 on the singing contest

The songwriter seen auditioning on XFactor in 2012

The performer earned a BRIT nomination and becoming the live vocal performer for Belgian hitmaking DJ Lost Frequencias (pictured in October 2015)

The singer also ‘made history’ as he took to the stage of the legendary Tomorrowland with the producer – as the first live band to ever play at the main stage

His top listened song on his Spotify page is currently Electrified feat Lost Frequencias, from the DJ’s iconic 2023 album Cup Of Beats.

Meanwhile his most recent work is a single called Quadrata Coloris, published earlier this year.