Talia Dean, who made it to the final of ITV’s X Factor back in 2017, has teamed up with Queen legend Brian May as they collaborated for a new song, You Made Your Bed.
Speaking exclusively to GB News, Dean, 39, reflected on her X Factor experience amid high profile criticisms of the show in the wake of One Direction star Liam Payne’s tragic death last month.
“It’s difficult, isn’t it, because I was treated really well,” Dean told this publication when asked about the recent controversies about the Simon Cowell-led talent show, which aired from 2004 to 2018.
“But I’m very aware that I was one of the lucky ones,” she admitted.
“I feel blessed by that, because you know, I got brought to the finals.
“I was very liked. I was treated well, but I did see things that if they had have happened to me, I would have been devastated.”
Commenting on the show’s habit of showcasing auditions and acts for comical purposes, she added: “I think they’ve realised that the whole attitude of, ‘let’s make fun of someone for ratings,’ that has to stop.
“But it’s like but all that’s happened is that the world of X Factor is now just on social media.
“So that kind of bullying mentality of, ‘let’s laugh at someone that doesn’t sing very well, because it brings views,’ that’s just gone from X Factor to social media.
“It’s not stopped at somebody singing badly or having an accident while singing. Negative feedback will go a lot more viral than actual talent.
“I would say they really need to nurture the talent and bring it back to basics of let’s find real stars.
“Let’s find real talent and let’s not create a panto. There needed to be more contestant care.”
Questions regarding the reality show have been raised for years, but following the death of singer Payne, 31, the topic once again came to light.
Following Payne’s death following a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina, several X Factor stars didn’t hold back as they blamed the show – and 65-year-old Cowell – for “exploiting” young talent.
Katie Waissel issued a stern warning on X as she penned the following day: “My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words.
“If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool.
“We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out. #justiceforliam.”
