He was born Mason Burnell, according to the Daily Star. The X Factor 2015 is also not his first attempt at a music career.
The 22-year-old was born on 4 August 1993, and is from Handsworth, Birmingham.
Mason has hit back at reports his dad ‘bought him a career’, telling the Mirror: “We were quite close to losing our house due to money issues. I’m my dad’s back-up and future.”
It was recently revealed that Mason is already a signed artist, having had a deal with the same label as James Morrison and Olivia Newton John.
He’s had music on iTunes and streaming services such as Spotify, and he’s starred in multiple high-budget music videos.
Discussing his career, Mason previously admitted he’s had more success in the US than the UK, and boasts Missy Elliott among his showbiz pals.
According to reports, the rap legend once tweeted Mason: “It’s not about how quick you build a house, it’s about how long the house stands. Always remember that hugs [sic].”
And here’s the two of them discussing one of her biggest hits:
Closer to home, Mason has been snapped with celebs including former JLS singer Aston Merrygold and presenter Laura Whitmore.
Viewers of The X Factor will remember Mason being booted off of the show during the six chair challenge, after Simon Cowell labelled him an ‘a***hole’.
But he was given a second chance when Nick Grimshaw decided to bring him back for live shows.
Speaking about the show, Mason said: “As long as I can make Nick proud, as he brought me back, and myself proud, then I can say that it was an amazing experience and I am blessed to be here in the first place.”
It’s not just on the show that Mason is a bit of a bad boy. According to allegations, he split from his last girlfriend, 21-year-old Riah Read, because he cheated on her.
A source revealed Mason was unhappy with Riah’s job as a glamour model. But, despite his own insecurities, it was Mason who strayed. They split after three years of dating when he confessed all to Riah.
The insider told the Daily Star: “Riah was heartbroken. It was a turbulent relationship, but she never thought he would stray.”
It’s now been claimed Mason is seeing Riah again in secret while he competes in the competition.
