N
ow that Publicist To The Stars Max Clifford has confirmed that Dannii Minogue was indeed ‘getting it on’ with Simon Cowell during her first year at The X Factor, there’s an important lesson Britney Spears should take on board before confirming (if she hasn’t already) her involvement on the second season of the US show. And I don’t mean “don’t let Simon enter you” (though presumably that’s a given).
It’s that an alarming majority of the talent signed up to present or judge the show fail to leave with their head held high. Most are sacked, and those who leave on their own terms are either humiliated later on or driven to leave by a shitty working relationship with bosses.
This ‘article’ isn’t about bashing The X Factor as a show or its effect on the music industry, but of all celebrities who could do without the inevitable scandal and scrutiny that such a high-profile and high-pressure job entails, Britney Spears has to be among the the most vulnerable.
Here is a comprehensive list of on-screen talent who have escaped from The X Factor unscathed.
- Sharon Osbourne (kinda). Is only former judge to have left on her terms.
- Holly Willoughby. Quit The Xtra Factor after a couple of good years.
Here is a comprehensive list of on-screen talent who have not escaped from The X Factor unscathed.
- Sharon Osbourne (kinda). May have quit rather than been sacked, but she said on numerous occasions she felt pushed aside by Dannii, and now we know why.
- Dannii Minogue. Left on her terms, only to be thrown to the lions by Cowell’s biographer one year later as revelations about their fling are unveiled without her consent, and in the middle of her heartbreaking split from her long-term partner.
- Cheryl Cole. Enjoyed a couple of years as the diamond in the show’s crown before being shat out very publicly and very embarrassingly after working on the US edition for a matter of days.
- Nicole Scherzinger. Replaced Cheryl, became Public Enemy No. 1 for sending Rachel Crow’s elimination to deadlock, was swiftly sacked. Dreams of a lucrative solo career in the US dashed.
- Paula Abdul. Maintained her dignity on the Twittersphere but was also sacked after one series, despite being one of Simon’s dearest friends.
- Steve Jones. Was hired despite not really having enough experience for such a major gig. Was bad. Was fired after saying in numerous interviews he was under the impression he’d be back.
- Kate Thornton. Was absolutely devastated when sacked at the end of the show’s third season, despite being told her job was safe.
- Ben Shepherd. Walked out when not given Kate Thornton’s role. Was very bitter about it.
- Fearne Cotton. Replaced Ben Shepherd. Rumoured to have fallen out with Cowell. Did not return for a second series.
- Konnie Huq. Replaced Holly Willoughby. Said in numerous interviews she was under the impression she’d be back for a second series, despite negative public reaction. Was not back for a second series.
So, Britney can note that statistically there are very few judges and hosts who will escape from The X Factor smelling of roses.
And after everything she’s been through since 2007, and all the work she and her loved ones have put in to bring her back from the brink, is this job really the best way to show people she’s still the same girl? Or is it an accident waiting to happen?
