They're also wildly blinding. In comparing the array of pop styles and voices that are on stage with each other, it's easy to forget that the winner is not going to have to compare with amateurs – but with chart-topping giants who have fought and clawed their way to the top, honing their talent on the way.

So it is that it's not really until the elected winner releases their first solo album – away from the pomp and ceremony of the final and the coveted 'Christmas No. 1' – that voters can discern whether their winner is worthy.

Thus, while the 2008 contestants are currently sweating over the next three months over their lives, last year's winner Leon Jackson has finally released his album - 10 months after his contest.

It's a weak opening. 'Don't Call this Love' is saccaharine, horrifically corny and doesn't suggest Leon's voice is able to achieve career longevity – or even a second album – though it does seem to be much more mature since his television appearances.

The Michael Buble fan hits his stride a little with 'Creative,' where he makes up for the lack of power in his pipes with some interesting jazz ripples and even a little Latino passion in a chorus that veers more towards Ricky Martin's hits than Chico. Just. 'Right Now' is full of energy and cool brass and percussion and 'All in Good Time' sees a quick injection of soul and sounds reminiscent of the stunning 'Love Actually' soundtrack

But unfortunately Leon has been contractually obliged to sell a Pop album, not a jazz one, and so the boy band ballads quickly kick in. 'Stargazing' is a bland take on Take That; 'A Song for You,' feels forced and full of air – it's a cheap version of Elton John's beautiful 'Your Song'; and 'Misty Blue' doesn't have the husky grit it's desperately trying to capture.

But it's Leon's cover of the inimitable 'Caledonia' that's truly despairing. There's no passion, none of the longing that makes the original snag the emotional consciousness of a country. Instead it sounds like a slightly drunk pub version – and is that Leon's Scottish accent being exaggerated after the previous 11 tracks are executed in perfect Queen's English? It rings, false and forced.

Leon was a surprise winner last year – rising from the ranks of dark horse after an eye-catching duet with Kylie – and his album shows why.

This CD is available to buy now in Woolworths