BBC Fame Academy winner David Sneddon has released his debut single, Stop Living the Lie, and his album is due out in the spring.

The 24-year-old Scot won the BBC One show last month and was rewarded with a �1m recording contract, a sports car and a luxury flat in London for a year.

"Sneddon's profile isn't at the dizzying heights reached by Will and Gareth, and it would be a surprise to see his debut smash any chart records", wrote BBC News Online's Michael Osborn.

But what do you think?

This debate is now closed. Please see below for a selection of your comments.

It hardly warrants comment really, does it? Initially he was the safe bet, the dullest choice out of the final three (the other two being exceptional performers who no doubt will be hugely sucessful). My heart sank when I realised the great British public had proved again their insatiable appetite for bland. But the music buying public aren't the same demographic as those who voted are they? So maybe there is some hope yet.
Marie-Louise, London, UK

He did not deserve to win in the first place. That just goes to show how true talent will prevail. He on the other hand has none.
Angela, UK

I was very pleased that David won Fame Academy but I like Sinead also and I am glad that she will be releasing her own record shortly. I think that David and Sinead will both do reasonably well in the charts and if they continue writing good records they will have success for a while but will we remember them in 18 months? Am not sure. Do we remember any of the other 12 now though? Keep smiling David and Sinead. Good luck
Catherine, England

Good luck to him I say. I'm tired of this constant bashing of TV pop winners. Just because the mechanic is exposed, it doesn't make them any more manufactured than every other band, like Busted of The Beatles.
Neil Webster, London, England

I was hooked on the Fame Academy series but not once did it cross my mind that David Sneddon would win. I did think he had a great voice but I felt that Sinead and Ainsley were by far the most talented. I was very upset when Sinead lost out especially as her single was outstanding, David's on the other hand was dull.
Elaine, Scotland

I disagree with the above-mentioned comments. To say David "has no talent" and that he is bland is completely ignorant. True, he may not have the voice of Pavarotti but I think the simple fact that he is a nice, well-mannered, friendly type of person is good enough to make him a role model for those who voted him to win Fame Academy. It is just a shame that he was brought into the limelight through a sub-standard reality talent contest.
Tom Corser, England

It should have been Lamarr. Outside of the academy, David's voice sounds plain and like a thousand other voices. To look at he is not much better - unglamourous and pre-pubescent. There is no zing to draw you to him. He is nice and inoffensive which we all know is not the recipe for success in the music business
Vanessa, UK

Mr Sneddon has the look of a young Elvis Presley and the voice of George Michael. He deserved to win the competition. He came across as a totally grounded young man (who wouldn't pay �80 for a belt) and a song writing talent to rival David Gray. I am looking forward to seeing what he produces in the future. Good luck David.
Martin Pegler, UK

Very bland, I really can't remember any of the song (though he did simulate emotion in a very professional manner). This man can pretend to be a musician so well you almost think he is one!
Christian Tiburtius, UK

David's single is mediocre, it is a catchy song and will probably do quite well. However, Sinead deserved to win Fame Academy and once her single is released I think she will prove her worth and I am in no doubt that the public will be behind her all the way!
Teresa, Northern Ireland

David deserved to win,h e had the best voice and is by far the most talented songwriter. And the public vote proved that, i think he will have the longest career of all the other contestants. His song WILL go to No.1.
Graham Banks, England

David is dull as dishwasher, less than average singer, uncharismatic and boring with capital B! I don't like is music/voice and I don't like him ... he's the worst thing to came out of those reality shows ... and why is he already doing covers, two in fact, isn't he supposed to be a songwriter - big fat fake!
Louise, London

It is far too easy to criticise people from the TV shows and say they had it easy, when it is only easy if you have the appropriate talent. David is good enough to be a popstar and his song is alright. There were better people on Fame Academy and better people on Pop Idol, but that's not his fault and he should be given a fair chance.

If he wasn't so quick to put down his rivals I'd be happy for his success. As it is, he deserves to do "quite well". He's hardly a threat to Will or Gareth.
Fiona, UK

Good song. Good singer.
Stuart, UK

I think it's great. I love it, I love David, he's the best. I have got my room full of his pictures, I love him.
Lisa Palmen, The Netherlands

I like David, and think his single is great, I also loved Sinead and can't wait to buy her record too. I too was hooked on Fame Academy, I was lost when it finished, sad as that may be. I think it was a great idea of the BBC and kept us well entertained. I'm going to see them all at Wembley Arena,and yes, I can remember all 12.
Jo, UK

Lamar all the way - he was the only one who truly made your hairs stand up on end - a real star. David's song is bland and dull, just like him...
Hannah, UK

Boring, boring, boring.... Talented guy but bad single. Sinead and Lemar deserved to win far more than him.
Jessica Morris, England

David's song has unique carefully constructed lyrics, which have grown on me. Personally I love it.
Mr W, UK

It's just lift music. He has a "nice" voice, but great music is played or sung with feeling. There is no feeling, no personal emotion, mere emptiness in all of these Pop Idol/Rival people. Empty input gives an empty output.
Chantalle, UK

The problem with Fame Academy is that the true prize of fame cannot be rewarded if the general public are not interested. David is a pleasant guy, but boring to look at and listen to. He is famous for being on a game show and the hope is that he will go on and achieve good single sales. I doubt this. Bring back Lemar and Sinead!
Chris, UK

Of the final three David was the only one who stood out as a songwriter. Lemar had a lot of charisma and a great voice but only David had the full package. Sinead was a lovely girl but unfortunately nothing special in relation to music.

Good luck to David. At least he is out there trying to do his own stuff. That alone separates him from Will and Gareth and ranks him head and shoulders above Girls Aloud and One True Voice. Great voice, winning smile and a hell of a lot of determination. David is far from busking on the streets of Glasgow as he was just a few short months ago.
Olivia, Ireland

Y'know, it really is a shame that so many people seem to take an automatic dislike to people who gain success on shows like Fame Academy. Personally, I think David has a lovely voice, and is an excellent songwriter. Possibly he won't be in the public eye for very long, but that doesn't mean he won't have a wonderfully successful career as a songwriter, behind the scenes. If you want to complain about how other people deserved to win the prize more, then fingers crossed they are as talented as you say, and will get there under their own steam anyway.
Beccie, Wales

I recall that the majority of the Fame Academy teachers were also negative towards David. It seems a real shame to criticise someone who clearly has a genuine talent for making people happy just because he isn't avant-garde.

I followed Fame Academy and enjoyed it thoroughly. David certainly made me smile everytime I watched. If he can just continue his natural magic then, smash hit debut or not, my money's still on Sneddon powering to the top.
Robert Crisp, UK

David appears to be a genuine guy who is determined to make a success of his music. I like the single and think that for a 24 year old his songwriting is impressive and mature. This is the first of many singles and as he experiences more in his life his songwriting and emotions will develop. I must say that I am becoming more of a fan every day - he is a very talented young man. Good luck David.
Jo-ann, Scotland

I think it's a great song....it's the only thing that sends my kids to sleep at night!
Jason, Manchester,England

His single is a boring, dated, and predictable - like stuff I used to write at 15 thinking it was so deep and meaningful. Crap!
Rachael, England

Fame Academy pushed the other side of music- songwriting etc. What a pity that the weakest talent and the poorest song won.
Mike Renwick, United Kingdom

I heard the song for the first time on TOTP. It really is drivel and he has as much talent as a box of cornflakes. The song is awful and it's all been done before. Another example of reducing the making and selling of music to on a par with a fast food joint.
Alex, Oxon, UK

I am pleased David won Fame Academy, I honestly don't believe that the other two will get far in the industry. David sings ballads fantastically but the faster tempo is not his forte. His single is very good for a first attempt. I believe it is better than either Will or Gareth could have done on their first attempt. He has a great future.
Linda, England

Forget this drivel. I've just got my hands on the new single by The Thrills. It's wonderful. There is hop for pop, you just have to look a little further than prime time telly to find it.
Rico, UK

He deserved to win but I think Sinead had the best voice and will go on a be a huge success but David's debut single is a soppy ballad which is bound to be number 1 because all the girls will want it but overall it is ok.
Paul Douglass, UK

David has a good voice, can play instruments and writes his own songs. He is trying to make it with only a fraction of the hype surrounding Will and Gareth. He wrote 'Stop living the lie' when he was only 17-years old. He deserved to win Fame Academy and deserves success
H.J., Belgium

Ainslie should have won, without a doubt. What is David's song about, anyway? What lie are we supposed to be living? Pretentious drivel from the irritatingly smiley one. Elvis? Ha ha. Martin Pegler could do with a trip to Vision Express.
JLW, UK

I'm no fan of these pop talent shows, but I can't help but like David Sneddon's debut single. He wrote it himself and can play his own instruments. In my mind he's already bettered Gareth, Will and Darius. Well done to the bloke and long may he continue to release his own original written songs (David, please don't rip somebody else's song, only talentless people need cause such sacrilege).
Tony B, N.Ireland

David's performance on the final moved me to swoon!! Something I had not expected. I liked him on the first show despite the song, jacket and nerves. I watched him learn from his mistakes and develop his talent. It was exciting to watch. He has a quick wit and engaging personality. The growth in the last two weeks was fantastic. Thank you BBC for this understated hype-free show. However the songwriting gems were relegated to BBCi. The last five had great talent and different styles which were lost in the cover version format. There was so much more going on than Lullaby and Keep Me A Secret, Malachi being the major casualty. These people have renewed my interest in music and I hope to see David record Convince Me and Long Time Coming from the Martians and I look forward to an evening with Malachi Cush and friends at The Royal Albert Hall!!! I could go on!!!!!
Ann, England

David is like a breath of fresh air. Always surprised at his new found success. Good luck to him, I say. He had enough criticism from the so-called vocal coach, who thought that flat notes from other singers, didn't matter. Give him a chance. Good luck David.
Valerie, UK

I disagree strongly with all of the negative comments about David above. He is an extremely talented person who does not deserve to be compared to anybody else, he is a star in his own right! I think Living a Lie is a brilliant song with meaningful lyrics that only ignorant people will not understand. I also wish the very best for Sinead, Malachi, Ainsley and Marli but what is the big deal about Lamar, everyone thinks he is brilliant... WHY?! Yeah he can sing but so could the other 11 contestants. I think that Lamar was given more chances than the others - who out there agress with me?
Lisa, England

David is a sweet boy but should stick to song-writing which is clearly his talent.
Jackie, London

I think it sounds a bit too much like Billy Joel's Piano Man! Have a listen.
Jo, UK/Oz

I went to David's signing in Oxford Circus yesterday and I absolutely love him!! He has a brilliant voice, and he has excellent song writing skills and writes his own original music that we haven't heard of before! I really admire him for doing this also he's a friendly character to be around!
Rachel Kempson, England, UK

David Sneddon is an amazing signer and performer (not to mention drop dead gorgeous!) I wanted him to win from the start and he definitely deserved to win! He was the only one who showed any real emotion when he either won something or was put on probation. David will go far without a doubt!!
Tricia, Scotland!

Sneddon single boring, safe, boring middle aged pap, so lame. I loved the Fame Academy but I knew a safe pap singer would win when the public kept voting the less than dull, plain, vacant, no pop music talent Katie to stay in. What made Fame Academy for me was the fun with Ainsley, Mal and the others, I like "I'm in love with a chicken called Jill" much better than David's single. The real talent on the show for me has to be Ainsley and Lemar.
Kassy, England

Definitely the worst of the bunch. Sinead had talents in spades, while David is just bland and MOR - another Gareth...as if we needed one! The song is probably the worst I've heard from the so-called reality show popshows. Just 'cos he wrote it himself does not make it good. Bring on Sinead and Lamarr - the true stars of the show.
Katherine, UK

David will prove his critics wrong and have the last laugh at the end of the day. He improved so much over the period of time he was in the Academy, he writes his own music and he is grounded. Along with a great voice (he never tried to sound like anyone else) what more could we want?
Mandy, UK

It is a strong single and showcases a much stronger, raw talent than say Pop Idol or Popstars. You cannot make a superstar in 12 weeks, David will mature vocally and as a performer. Sinead, on the other hand, is an exceptional, fresh and original performer. I feel she is an excellent example for younger girls who's only role models at the moment are the talentless, overly-groomed Atomic Kittens.
Stephen, N.Ireland

The fact that over 3 million people voted for David must mean that he wasn't a bad singer/ song writer or even person. What's wrong with music David sings?? Some of us are sick of the boring music in the charts..f.inally a song that appeals to us people who don't like dance music etc. Sinead and Lemar were good too, but, to me, the true winner was David for his talent, his personality etc..I'm sure he will have a great future ahead of him. Good luck David :o)
Linda, London, UK

David's song is s a very good, catchy first single (just wish it was longer!) which deserves top ten, although it probably won't reach number one. Sinead's most definitely will - excellent. But we're fully behind David - voted for him on the night and look forward to his album. We've bought the single too and he sounds excellent. Good luck David. We just can't believe talentless miming bands like Girls Aloud can top the charts for so long!
Mark & Vanessa Christie, UK

David has real talent in all directions. Not everyone's cup of tea, but who is? Listening to the CD he has released, I found it a refreshing change to hear a ballad with meaning, being sung well and be able to understand ALL of the words instead of wondering why words have been set to music when they are unintelligable!! I personally wish David much success, he has worked hard and deserves it. As for people making comments that he is middle of the road (as if that's somehow detrimental), fashions come and go in music as in everything else but "middle of the road" usually means staying power.
Barbara, England

I loved the Fame Academy. All this knocking David is a joke. Let the man prove himself. I think and am sure he has a great talent not to be smirked at. The single is good and has a good hook line. Lots of emotion. Let's see what else he can do. How can one judge a talent on a career that hasn't taken off yet. He certainly seems to enjoy music and writing songs. He has talent, can play the piano (a lot of the Fame Academy didn't have the talent to play any instrument). A fresh face, someone who deserved to win and enjoy the year. Good Luck David, you deserve it all. Hope to see you at one of the Fame Academy concerts.
Tony, UK

I think David should do well and he will. It is a shame he has not been able to release his single sooner as it seems an age since Fame Academy was on. As for people putting him against Will and Gareth from Pop Idol, they shouldn't. They sing more covers than anything and David is more original with his own songs. Will and Gareth will sell more singles because of the covers they sing which people recognise. I wish people would open their minds and listen to new music and ideas. GOOD LUCK DAVID and WELL DONE!
Helen, UK

I am sick and tired of music snobs who have some odd idea that just because they first heard of a particular artist on a TV show, that they must automatically be rubbish. Everyone has their own taste in music, but to decide if someone is any good or not based on the fact that you first saw them on a reality TV show rather than in a smoky back street club somewhere is just silly and shows a lack of real critical analysis.

David Sneddon's single Stop Living the Lie is a very pleasant pop ballad, with a good melody and strong chorus which he sings well in a voice which it is easy to listen to. The lyrics actually deliver a fairly interesting message particularly from a writer who was only 17 when they were written. As a debut single, it might not be earth shattering but this is a record which is easy to listen to, will appeal to a wide audience and is sure to be a success.

There are hints in it of a potential which we can all await with interest and anticipation if we are prepared to open our eyes and judge David Sneddon as any other emerging singer/songwriter and not as the winner of a TV show about which we may have pre-conceived ideas.
Kelly, UK

I give David Sneddon and the organisers a lot of credit for releasing a new song, written by the performer, as a first single. I've been very bored by the conveyor-belt of soul-sapping covers done by Will and Gareth. Any pub musician can do that. If David Sneddon and Darius keep up the song-writing and develop their styles over time, they will do very well. Will and Gareth? Sorry, who are they?
Dave Hollick, UK

Since he had written this song before he even arrived at the Academy, surely this single shows what a waste of time (all be it vaguely entertaining) the whole programme was! It is like studying for an exam when the course will be marked on work you did before your started the course.
Joe, UK

I listened to about 15 seconds of David's song on Top of the Pops and found it so boring that I had to turn the TV over. Yawn..more rubbish for 13 year olds to spend their pocket money on.
Natasha, UK

The song's OK, the singer is decidedly average. My biggest problem is that I object, as a licence payer, to a million pound of public money being spent on a pop act who has, at most, three successful singles in him. Can I have my money back?
Dave, UK

I don't think that just because they used a slightly alternative, rather exposed route to get to where they've dreamt of being makes then any less talented - I love David's song! And I agree, nothing wrong with a nice, well mannered, decent, very good looking young man being in the limelight. It beats a bunch of kids that punch ladies in public places - no names mentioned... no names necessary!
Sujata, Surrey, UK

Boring load of rubbish and that was just Fame Academy, as for this single....... well it's more proof that the record industry would rather back people with no talent but looks rather than taking on one of those thousands of talented bands and musicians who never get a chance and remain just a local pub band - what a waste of license payers money and the sooner this single gets off the radio the better.
Steven Walker, London

I'm not a huge fan of David's as I think the song is a little dull but at least he has talent as do all the contestants on these pop shows. The ones who don't deserve rocord contracts are those who have been in groups where their lack of talent wasn't really apparent and when the bands split up and they attempt to go solo you realise that they can't sing a note, how many of the Spice Girls and Boyzone have still got record contracts???
Julia, London

No David's song isn't one that blows me away but it's not terrible either. I'd rather hear him than the talentless Gareth Gates. David has good songwriting ability, good musical ability and a good voice - an all round talent that deserves a chance.
Alison, England

It's REALLY BORING, never mind not buying the single, I can't stand having to listen to it.
Anon, UK

David's single woke me up recently when my radio came on in the morning. I hadn't heard the song before, and my thoughts were "my life, this is utterly dreadful, bland, pointless drivel - who on earth is it?" Then it was announced as David's new single. I knew that he was one of the weaker FA candidates, and his songwriting amounts to sweet FA.
Joe, UK

David? What's happened to your voice since you left the Academy? Saw TOTP friday and wondered who I was listening to, it looked like David but didn't sound anything like the David of Fame Academy! I personally prefer the rough raw edged David, not this highly produced verging on dull production which has hit the screen and Music shops of late. For goodness sake producers/mixers/whatever stop trying to change this natural talent and give us the REAL David Sneddon. I'm sure the poor chap on Fridays TOTP didn't know what way to sing cos he sounds so far away from the David we know and voted for! Leave his voice alone and let him get on with the job, if i wanted karaoke I'd go down the local pub!
Tim, UK

I too like many others think that David Sneddon's single is bland and boring. The video doesn't hold much weight either. I think Sinead would've been a better bet.
Julie Ede, UK

Is the man or his song in any way remarkable? No. Will he or the song stand the test of time and appear in any of the (numerous) top 100 singles charts/performers of all time? No. Is he another singer (regardless of actually ability) who will be written off by the great British "we hate anyone who's successful" public before he even has a chance? Oh yes! At least he made the effort to achieve his dream unlike most us and for that he will always be damned. Aren't we a "great" nation??
Alan, UK

Personally, I think David's song is remarkably like a Wet Wet Wet song, Put A Little Light On, which also starts its verses with the lyrics, "He sits alone..." Even the melody for this phrase is almost identical to the Wets version - first time I heard it I thought David had gone for a cover version!!! I also find it suspicious that David is Scottish and of the same generation as myself, the age group who grew up during the Wets time of topping the charts!
Helen Shepherd, Wigan, UK

At the risk of sounding arrogant it sounds disturbingly similar to a song I had in the charts a few years back called Waltz Away Dreaming which was a duet with George Michael. Whilst not identical, it certainly mirrors my song structurally, thematically and musically. Who knows I may even investigate further if you get my drift.
Toby Bourke, UK