Former X Factor star Danny Dearden's life has been cut tragically short, his manager confirmed today. The singer made it all the way to the Judges House round of the ITV talent show back in 2014 under Mel B's mentorship before carving out a successful career on his own. "Danny's passing has left us heartbroken," Denise Beighton, his manager, shared in an emotional statement: "Heartbroken to wake up to the news that you're gone. I have no words right now, rest easy beautiful boy."

He performed Kelly Clarkson's Beautiful Disaster at Spice Girl Mel B's Judge's House in Mexico, where he was joined by Emma Bunton. In spite of a memorable performance, he ultimately lost out to contestants Andrea Faustini, Jake Quickenden, and Paul Akister. Although he missed out on a place in the final Danny's talent shone brightly and he had established himself as a formidable vocalist and songwriter.

In 2021, his musical career hit a high note when he secured a deal with Sentric Music, after accumulating an impressive record of over 15 million Spotify streams. His hit collaboration with French DJ Michael Calfan, titled Could Be With You, almost broke the 14 million mark on Spotify.

It earned its spurs on BBC Radio 1's Party Anthems with Scott Mills and didn't stop there also gracing the airwaves during an episode of ITV's Love Island, reports the Mirror.

Recalling his experience collaborating with Michael Calfan in 2018, Danny enthused about the partnership: "It was amazing working with him. At the time of the first session, when we wrote "It's Wrong", I hadn't had a lot of experience in a studio of that scale, so it was quite nerve-racking, but everyone made me feel at ease.

"He is one of the most down to earth people I've ever met, although it can be difficult at times because he has the strongest French accent I've ever heard, that mixed with my Northern/Lancashire/Manc accent we had to repeat ourselves a few times."

Reflecting on the success of the song, he said: "Yeah, it's mental that amount of streams, we are nearly at three-quarters of a million and we haven't even started the promotion we have planned yet. Seeing people like Martin Garrix and Martin Solveig add it to their personal playlist is crazy."

Outside of music, Danny was deeply dedicated to fighting bullying. He used his influence to promote safe online practices by visiting schools and offering guidance.

Fans rushed to pay tribute to the star on social media. Writing on his Instagram page one commented: "So sorry to hear of your passing . Sending so much love to your family. RIP XXX."

"I’ve just this second heard the heart breaking news about @dannydeardenuk. Words fail me that this talented young man is with us no more. Sending you my heartfelt sympathy and condolences and much love at this very sad time," another wrote in tribute on X.

The cause of Danny's death remains unknown. In December 2023, Danny shared on Instagram how the NHS had saved his life, stating: "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 also mentioned on social media last year that he had been struggling with his health.