X Factor savaged by fans after including Michael Jackson in Divas week
FURIOUS X Factor viewers have savaged the show for including Michael Jackson songs in Divas week.
The late King of Pop’s inclusion in the categories alongside songs from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey sent viewers into a tizz because he was male.
Samantha Lavery sang the late legend’s Earth Song , while Gifty Louise did Sam Smith’s Lay Me Down and Honey G did a mash-up of Vanilla Ice’s Ice Ice Baby and Queen’s Under Pressure.
But it was the inclusion of Michael Jackson, who has previously had his own week on the X Factor, which really rankled.
“What an insult to Michael Jackson,” wrote one ANGRY fan. “Shoving him into Divas week. Like disrespecting the dead. Should have chosen a Janet song.”
Another said: “Michael Jackson must be turning in his grave listening to this rubbish!”
Others mocked the show, with one tweeting: “Vanilla Ice has always been my favourite diva second only to Michael Jackson of course.”
“I think I have a different understanding of diva to @theXFactor! Vanilla Ice?! Bjork? Michael Jackson?!!”
On the Xtra Factor the judges defended the inclusion claiming divas also included ‘legends’.
It wasn’t only the inclusion of MJ that riled up viewers on Saturday, even the good stuff annoyed them.
Nicole Scherzinger opened this week’s X Factor with a tribute to two of the greatest divas ever – Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan – and Simon Cowell promptly tore her to shreds.
Unfortunately the former Pussycat Doll was incredible leaving the poor X Factor contestants facing having to follow her outstanding performance and head judge Simon accused of her of ignoring her acts to focus on her self after Ryan Lawrie performed.
Ryan it is quite clear, watching Nicole at the start of the show and her performance where her attention went this week because it wasn’t you,” Simon said, echoing many viewers’ thoughts.
Hitting back, a furious Nicole told him: “You need to cool your jets mister, because I found out I was singing on Thursday and got my stuff together yesterday and all my focus was on him,” she said, putting Simon in his place.
Viewers flocked to social media to gush over the diva’s performance of Aretha Franklin’s Respect and Chaka Khan’s I’m Every Woman but slam her for making the contestants look terrible.
One wrote: “Nicole Scherzinger literally takes every opportunity she can show off her voice.”
Another added: “So sick of the #XFactor being the ‘Nicole Scherzinger show’. Sit down you attention-seeking exhibitionist.”
However, others were thrilled, with one saying: “Nicole is a great performer and singer! Show them how it’s done. #XFactor”
After the public chose Divas as the song categories, the remaining ten acts took to the stage performing the hits of some of the nation’s favourite divas. And Vanilla Ice.
Matt Terry took to the stage to perform Mariah Carey’s I’ll Be There, while Ryan Lawrie sang Adele’s Rolling in the Deep and Emily Middlemas went with Whitney Houston’s How Will I Know.
Michael Jackson’s Earth Song was performed by Sam Lavery, Gifty Louise did Sam Smith’s Lay Me Down and Honey G did a mash-up of Vanilla Ice’s Ice Ice Baby and Queen’s Under Pressure.
Relley C performed Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman and Saara Aalto performed Bjork’s Oh So Quiet.
Meanwhile, 5 After Midnight sang Amy Winehouse’s Valerie and Four of Diamonds performed a medley of Lady Marmalade and Arianna Grande’s Bang Bang.
- The X Factor airs Saturdays and Sundays on ITV
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