‘X Factor Australia’ 2016 latest news: Vlado Saric remains close with mentor Mel B, hints of an upcoming big project [VIDEOS]

He may failed to win the title “X Factor Australia” 2016, but heartthrob singer Vlado Saric seems to have a bright future ahead in terms of his music career.

The 17-year-old crooner who hails from the Shire in Sydney’s south ranked third in this year’s hit reality show. Isaiah Firebrace was declared the winner, followed by runner-up Davey Foder. The lone female finalist, Amalia Foy, landed in fourth place.

Vlado, who belonged to the Underdog category, appeared to keep his close relationship with “X Factor Australia” judge and mentor Mel B. Recently, he posted a selfie with the former Spice Girl member on his Instagram account. “Just on a boat with Mel B, ” he captioned the photo. “Don't laugh at my head please .” Mel is seen grinning widely as she looks at her phone, while Vlado has his head back and his tongue’s sticking out.

Just on a boat with Mel B __ don't laugh at my head please __
A photo posted by Vlado (@vladoofficial) on Nov 27, 2016 at 10:17pm PST

While fans gushed over their photo, they got even more excited with a shirtless shot of him he posted earlier. He seems to be in a recording studio with a pair of headphones. “Back at it again … big stuff is happening!!! Can’t wait ,” he wrote. Fans wondered whether he’s doing a studio album, and encouraged him not to give up on his music career.

Throughout the “X Factor Australia” 2016 run, Vlado definitely showed that he had quite a following. A few days before the singing competition’s grand finale, music streaming service Spotify announced that he’s the most streamed artist of this season among the other finalists. Spotify based this on the top 12 finalists’ live performances, which are made available on the site’s platform after each episode.

[READ: "Vlado Saric rules Spotify as most streamed finalist, has top streamed track to date"]

Mel has consistently bragged about Vlado’s dominance in Spotify, and she has every right to do so. In fact, Vlado also produced the top streamed track of “X Factor Australia” 2016 with his rendition of “Closer” by The Chainsmokers during the competition’s first week.

In the “X Factor Australia” 2016 grand finals, Vlado performed “Say You Won’t Let Go” as a duet with “X Factor UK” winner James Arthur. For his showstopper, Vlado sang “Closer” by NeYo.