Is X Factor Racist?
The mother of X Factor contestant Leona Lewis has hit out at the ITV show saying that her daughter will never win because she is black.
Marie told New magazine: “It’s her dream to win but I think the public will vote for Ben – racism does play a part in the public vote. How else can you explain Dionne going out so soon? 4sure have gone and Robert has been in the bottom two a few times, yet there were other acts that were not as talented but still getting voted for.”
A spokesman for the ‘X Factor’ has refused to comment on Marie’s claims of racism.
Many people have also claimed that the shock eviction of Robert Allen only goes to prove that the British public do vote in a racist manner. Read more on that issue here.
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The X Factor has never shown Racism in the past so why would they do so now. I personally would love to see Leona win as she has the most amazing voice. The two brothers are also brilliant. I have only been watching on and off as Strictly Come Dancing is on at the same time. But what I have seen has been impressive where the the two mentioned bove are concerned
What is it with all this racist tosh, Its all about the talent! Andy nearly won last year, he was black. Shayne Ward only won because of all the teen texters!
As for Dionne going early, it was because she was rubbish, not because of her colour. Oh Get ova it!!
I belive there is evey possibility that Leona may win. Along with Ben whom I believe are the most talented people in the contest.
I don’t believe that Leona won’t win because of the colour of her skin – its almost as if her mother is giving ‘unjust’ justification for her daughter not winning if she doesn’t, I think her mother should concentrate on supporting her daughter & being positive about her talent as that is the issue and it is the talent that people will vote for.
I think it is extremely sad that Leona’s mother feels that way. Many people feel angry that the racist remark is used in many of lifes situations. I do believe that there are occassions where this is abused however I also accept that it is possible that Leona’s mother who may have suffered racism and predujice in the past genuinly feels that way.
I think it is better that we show to those who feel discriminated against that this is mostly due to their own experiences and that it is also THEIR responsibility to change their views and accept that not everyone is the same!!!
PPS.
I am a white male and Leona will get my vote everytime as I think she has the best voice I have heard for a female singer on the X-factor. The last time I felt that tingling feeling down my spine on the X-factor was listening to Will Young, another great singer.
All the best Leona, tell your mum to be positive and just enjoy your unique talent.
I think there are some very naive people on this forum. People of ethnic minorities make up approximatley 10% of the UK public. With that kind of statistic I would hope you would recognise that out of the 90% of the population you will find people who will vote for people who they can identify with and they can relate to.
For eg – the Mcdonald brothers who have been sited as not the best singers in the world, will continue to thrive in this competition because of the ‘Scottish’ vote which is great – people supporting those just like them. Leona will be unlikely to win this competiton as she doesn’t have a country or a city or a town of people just like her – mixed race.
I’ve seen Leona’s mum on the X-Factor and I’m sure she is actually white, and so this comment is not coming from a place of disgruntled resentment of a country that’s done her wrong – but I think from a more intellectual standpoint – and a very valid standpoint indeed.
Why do you suppose Ashley and Robert ended up in the bottom two last week – they definitly weren’t the least talented of the bunch….think on…….
I’ll just get off my soapbox now
I sincerely hope that the results are not rigged in favour of the contestants who have an unfair advantage. Racism should not be allowed at all!
Leona is the best X-factor has to offer NOT Ben – all he does is GROWL and let’s face it, with a nose that big, he aint’ gonna be winning any votes for looks is he?!
Its true because has a black/mixed raced artist ever won any of these programmes before..like lemar who is alot more talented that david sneddon but still some how lost..now lemar is very succesfull and even in the usa but can anyone even remember the winner where is he..dissapeared off the face of the earth for all we know..racism is still alive but some white people like to try and deny it unless its blatent like name calling ect..
I agree that racism is still alive and arguably predominantly against ethnic minorities – & it is really sad that racism exists – however just to point out racism can be found within all races within society, it shouldn’t just be that racism is classed as only a white v non-white debate as Quicks mentions – (my understanding of what you were implying). There is a much wider issue.
I believe as I said before that Leona may win because of her talent…same as Ben – I really hope that people just vote for talent, but I do know that the world can be very unjust sometimes, but the x-factor is a talent show.
look, we all know black contestants never win tv shows, apart from in the usa, er ruben and fantasia. leona is the BEST thing to happen in the uk in ages, the x factor is fixed for white guy like ben to win, when leona should. alos she is so fit, id love to wifey that!! yes im a black male, my son is mixed race and all my best friends are white. im just stating a fact, that black never win even though they r the best contestants
lemar, science, makosi, the black girl from eternal on love isalnd, all favourites, but WILL never win from there skin colour. no doubt SW London will vote for leona, if she dont win, shes got a BIG future. andy last year was the BEST singer by far, but they fixed it for rubbish shayne to win from day one, just like ben
Oh how I’m saddened and quite frankly P***ed off with the attitudes of one track minded people. Yes there is racism in every walk of life against all races, colours etc etc but come on, let’s stop blaming racism for everytime someone doesn’t achieve something.
It is just possible that the public didn’t like them or they were not good enough!!! There are plenty of non white music artists out there and many are show their talent at the wards that are specifically for “non white” persons who do not even get a look in.
This country is doing its best to stamp out racism, my friend who is black was called a racist name and reported this to the police who took immediate action and sent the other person to court.
There is even an association of black police officers!
I think people including many from the ethnic minorities are getting fed up with the small minority of people who will continue to blame others for their own under achievements blaming it on discrimination.
I myself continue to keep an open mind and am totally against racism and when I myself am called a racist, find this to be probably as insulting and causes me upset as much as those who have racist comments made to them.
Please lets just enjoy the show?
M
If Leona doesnt win it is more to do with being a girl because girls usually vote for the boys. It really has nothing to do with colour.
Anyway Lemar didnt win Fame Academy but look at him now. He is brill. Makosi got a bad reception because at the end of BB she behaved appallingly. She was a favorite for a while but it was her own downfall and no one else’s.
People should not use the race card when things dont go their way. It doesnt even occur to me what skin colour they have, its about good character and talent.
yeah lemar didnt win but look at him now..thats my whole point he was clearly better than the guy who won so why did he get voted out hmmmmm..also where is the other guy i aint heard nuttin about him in time
I Seriously beleive that the X Factor is nothing but a Fixed racist Show. You all can debate all you like but its straigth obvious… How can EDEN road or whatever they are named be put through above Robert? ‘BASED ON PERFORMANCE’???? everybody must be deaf I suppose. O’ well, Its just another senario of everyday life, A mirror of a true Britain. Robert, dont Worry, am sure you and every HONEST person out there knew you were BY FAR better that EDEN road. LEONA, you might be next, dont worry bout your voice thats not what count girl.
Take heart brother.
I had to find somewhere to throw my comment after this show which I think I will stop watching immediately. What surprises me is the judge Simon did not hide it today the British public see a black man not an artist, Simon said based on who would not go the furthest Robert was out, clearly he meant Robert would not get the vote from a predominantly racist public. I think all blacks should seriously consider going back to the carribean and africa, there is just so much hiden rascism in this politically correct society, turn your back and even your seemingly close white friends are cussing you with the n word.
I don’t think Robert look like a star… although he is a good singer
I honestly dont think in matters who actually wins this show. Like I said before if you are talented, like Lemar, you will have a career in singing and that is want they all want, not necessarily to win.
When you win you are stuck with a contract that is very controlling and I think that if you have real talent you will succeed. This show is only a platform to show their talents so I wouldn’t worry too much about who wins, who gets voted out.
Robert has a great voice and if he is supported who knows what the future holds. He could be like Lemar or Simon Webb with the right guidance.
SPOT ON BIGNIKKIFAN, G4 were the real winners of series 1, ANDY ABRAHAM is doing great AND NEARLY WON, ONLY NARROWLY BEATEN IN SERIES 2, ROBERT was good but it was a repeat of last week on a song that doesnt really require dramatics, its a gentle sensitive song, I heard ‘older’ ladies talking this morning who said they hadnt voted for ETON ROAD as usual because they didnt know the song so for older support maybe the song was TOO NEW. I have to say I am grateful to SIMON for keeping them in although I have lost all respect for him personally, on the week he made the right choice. LEONA is not my choice to win, she has an amazing vocal range but misuses it ,THATS only my opinion, I know loads will disagree.ONLY THE PUBLIC DECIDE NOW ANYWAY SO THERE ARE 5 LEFT AND THEYVE STAYED THE COURSE SO GOOD LUCK TO ALL AND WE ALL HAVE INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL CHOICES and like BIGNIKKIFAN says LOOK at LEMARR, it doesnt always matter who wins these contests, TRY TO WIN OF COURSE BUT WHILE AN ACTS ON IT, THEN USE IT TO SHOWCASE YOUR TALENT, STYLE AND VERSATILITY.ROD,NEWCASTLE
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To be fair I think this country is a lot less racist than many countries around the world and to say that the x factor is racist trying to stir up trouble when there is none.
When Robert first went on the show his dress style was a lot more ’street’. He just looked younger and more funkier but I did notice that the song choices he made were a little old fashioned and he dressed in a suit every week. I think his image was a problem to many people. Even I thought ‘can this man sell records and what kind of audience is he going for’. And that is probably want Simon was thinking and many viewers were thinking.
So going back to the initial question – is x factor racist.
I really hope not and I dont think so. Thats just my opinion.
WHO CARES WE DONT!
rick —-
I am amazed and shocked to see that your views against this country and against the white population are so negative.
Why should as you say – I quote – “I think all blacks should seriously consider going back to the carribean and africa.”
Do you not feel that you are offending the huge british black community who have been born in this country and are proud to be black british?
I really think you should take a long hard look at your views and try and ressolve them by learning some diversity and educate yourself which will hopefully allow you to become less prejudice.
That is my personal opinion. I am not trying to insult you or put you down but I feel you really do have issues and need to address them.
Sorry if that annoys you but hey, I am a white male and I do not “cuss” any of my black friends with the “n” word as you so politely say it.
That’s the last I am going to input on here as I feel this topic is becoming abused and too serious for a general talent game show.
Good luck Liona, she is the greatest.
Let’s be honest now. The majority of the british public is racist and deep down we all know it’s true. Most of the time they dont know that they are actually being racist but their actions behind close doors prove otherwise. How hard is it to vote for talent. (Just pick up the phone)
Look what happened to Javine when Girls Aloud was formed on national tv. It was blatant racism by the british public which shocked the studio audience, camera team, judges and presenter. How quick we as a public forgot about that!
Lemar as well was by far the best on Fame Academy but he got shafted by the british public as well. Why think about it? Not everyone is racist but enough are to make a difference on shows like these.
Leona is potentially the biggest star to have ever come out of Britain let alone a talent contest. Could Robbie Williams vocally hold his own against Usher, R Kelly or Timberlake? and could Jamielia hold her own against Christina, Mariah Carey and Beyonce? Think about it logically cause Leona can and thats how good a singer she is.
And if the British public dont recognise that then she desrves to go to America where they will accept her for who she is and you can stick to your Shayne Wards, Alex Parks and these short term winners who the public quickly get bored of.
If we were racist none of the above stars mentioned would be famous now. Who buys the records? The british public do.
My kind of music is Snow Patrol, Green Day, Lifehouse, anything indie but I also like Kanye West, Simon Webb and Lemar. If you are a music fan it really does matter who the artist is, or want colour they.
Javine was not voted for, if I can remember, because of some bad press and this was why she did not join the band. I do think there is prejudice in some work places but there is very little in the music industry and general public prove this.
Well said BIGNIKKIFAN, also on X factor the first week was a motown week, the public over decades made Motown artistes sttars and those songs massive hits, buying the records, voting for them in awards and paying to see their concerts, exactly it doesnt matter about colour as BIGNIKKIFAN says. A lot of mistrust is now being directed to LEONA because there is a feeling and things are creeping out that SIMON is engineering a win for her in X factor, Maybe she is going to be massive, she wont be able to hide behind tonsillitis for live performances though all the time. SHE IS GREAT ,”BUT” there are already singers like her .I wouldnt vote for her but it has nothing to do with colour.iVE ADORED COLOURED ARTISTES THROUGH FROM DIONNE WARWICK TO TRACY CHAPMAN just on the female side of music. MUSIC, SINGING and how you perform the songs is what counts,simle as that.ROD,Newcastle
Buying someone’s record and voting for them on a live tv show is totally different mate. Ive seen racist people listen to hiphop in their cars and still call you the N word. Buying music from a black artist doesn’t mean the majority of the british pubic aint racist.
So a guy marries a woman does that mean he cant be a homosexual?
A priest works in the church does that mean he cant be a peodephile?
What a ridiculous statement to make.
And their was no bad press with Javine mate so stop making up lies. You said there’s no racism in the music industry in Britain. Then how many black british acts are signed up to produce alternative music in the mainstream which doesnt involve pop culture.
There are so many talented urban UK acts that do other genre of music such as Garage, Hiphop, RNB and Jazz but they have to get independent record deals and distribute the music thereselves. The only way a black artist can make it in Britain is to make soft bubble gum music for the white audience.
I guess your reply would be because no one wants to here that music. well your wrong because HIPHOP period is the biggest selling music across the planet fact. In america RNB and JAZZ music is huge business.
It only causes trouble when people start debating about racism. Live and let live. Most people are trying to get past racism and just live with each other. Vote for who you want, its called freedom of speech.
Leona is still in the competition and she is mixed race so what is everyone on about.
Lets try and leave racism in the last century.
Michael – just to point out I really like R&B music, jazz and hiphop. In fact the only music I don’t like is country and western.
My cd collection is vast and I don’t know why you are so argry.
Its just my opinion that the X factor is not racist. I am not racist at all, I would never think that way in a million years.
I cant change everyone’s opinion about racism but people have not voted off Robert and Ashley because of their colour. Its more about real talent.
I agree totally with BIGNIKKIFAN, ROD,
It is really sad that Racism exists within society and I understand some people (from all ethnicities) who have been on the rcv’ing end are angry – however, surely everyone needs to lessen the anger and look into finding a way to make racism a thing of the past.
Anger however justified only bring more hatred and that is never a good thing
There shouldn’t be an issue over someone’s skin colour -and as BignikkiFan says, we should try and work past this issue and why can’t everyone just accpet everyone?
Why do people of ethnic minority play the race card so often. It’s boring. There is just as much, if not more racism thrown the other way, from black to white people but you never hear about that.
well all i can say is whoever wins its because she or he has won over the british public “this is one public regardless of creed or colour”
This is about our individual tastes in music and along the way we vote for who we feel in our views deserve our votes.
Leona has won all the best to her and Ray
by the way can anyone tell what colour i am ??? without seeing me, we seem to form our opinions before we even get a chance to “get to know people” always based on what colour we are !! If we really want racism out of britain we ought to at least give each other enough respect to ignore colour and listen to each others views
I’ve been reading all the comments and I would like to point out a few issue – the reality is that indirect racism is rife in this country and this feeling is not only at work or on the street but in the support given to ethnic groups in reality TV show – This debate about live and let live is all good if you are progressive like some of the white individuals commenting on this forum however you CANNOT speak for the individual who haven’t commented here and that is the reality – we all habour prejudies against othe groups and the stats mentioned near the start of this debate does put ethinc groups at a disadvantage however Saturdays vote proved that things are a changing and if more white people can move beyond the race issue then black people will also – it is not fake or irrational it is a reality!
Good on Leona and for the UK appreciating her talent it is a LONG time overdue!!!