Alexandra Burke reveals she was asked to ‘bleach her skin’ during ‘really hard time’ after winning the X Factor
ALEXANDRA Burke has revealed she was asked to 'bleach her skin' by industry bosses after her X Factor win.
The singer-turned-actress shot to fame when she took part in the fifth series of the now-axed ITV show in 2008.
Alexandra's incredible vocals and personality ultimately saw her scoop the X Factor crown as she released her winner's single Hallelujah.
However, now 36, the star has revealed she was exposed to the brutality of the music industry following her win.
Alexandra has revealed top bosses asked her to 'bleach her skin' and was ordered not to braid her hair.
Looking back, she explained how it was "really hard" for her to experience microaggressions at such a young age.
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She told : "I did speak up about it on my Instagram a couple of years ago, and done a random 15 minute video on it. And I'm so pleased I did speak up about it, because a lot of people didn't know what I'd gone through.
"It gave other people the courage to speak up about their own experiences, to whatever work space they've been involved in, not necessarily within the music industry but other people what they've been through, and speaking up about their own experiences."
Alexandra - who went on to release three smash-hit studio albums - added that she "can't change the past".
"I have to let things go and I know my heart and I know what I'm about and what I represent," she said.
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After appearing in West End musical Sister Act, Alexandra landed her first role in brand new drama Curfew earlier this year.
The show is based on Jayne Cowie’s novel After Dark, which is set in a world where all men live under the “Women’s Safety Act” and are bound by a curfew.
Alexandra stars as a local teacher and close pal of Sarah’s police officer character.
Meanwhile, she was recently left stunned as her Middlesbrough goalkeeper boyfriend Darren, 37, got down on one knee during a romantic dinner.
Their engagement comes three years after they first started dating, with the pair already having two young children together.
Alexandra Burke's career timeline
2005:
- Early Audition: Alexandra Burke auditions for the second series of The X Factor but doesn't make it to the live shows.
2008:
- The X Factor Winner: Alexandra wins the fifth series of The X Factor with her powerful performances and charismatic stage presence.
2009:
- Debut Single: Releases her debut single, "Hallelujah," which becomes the fastest-selling single by a female artist in the UK.
- Debut Album: Releases her debut album, "Overcome," which tops the UK Albums Chart and includes hits like "Bad Boys" and "Broken Heels."
2010:
- Tours and Performances: Embarks on her first headlining tour, the "All Night Long Tour," and performs at various events and festivals.
2012:
- Second Album: Releases her second studio album, "Heartbreak on Hold," which includes singles like "Elephant" and "Let It Go."
2014:
- West End Debut: Makes her West End debut in the musical The Bodyguard, starring as Rachel Marron.
2016:
- Musical Theatre: Stars in the UK tour of Sister Act: The Musical, playing the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier.
2017:
- Strictly Come Dancing: Competes in the 15th series of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing as a runner-up.
2018:
- Third Album: Releases her third studio album, "The Truth Is," which features singles like "Shadow".
- West End Return: Returns to the West End, reprising her role as Rachel Marron in "The Bodyguard."
2019:
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Stars as the Narrator in the West End revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
2021:
- Television Appearances: Makes various television appearances and continues to perform at live events.
2022:
- Motherhood: Alex gives birth to her first child. She has kept both the name and gender private.
- Stage Return: Alexandra ends the year starring in the London Palladium pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, as Mrs Blunderbore.
2023:
- Alexandra welcomes her second child