Attitude Media Recognition Award: The X Factor
By Will Stroude
When you think of The X Factor you think of the crazy sounds of Chico, or Wagner, or that deluded ‘chicken man’ who sang an awfully high-pitched rendition of Barbie Girl. But let’s not forget about the wonderful talents that have been unearthed over the years: Leona Lewis’s voice still manages to thrill and chill us, while series two winner Shayne Ward not only dazzled us with his soft pop vocals, but his dashing handsome looks too – and do we really need to mention One Direction?
![The X Factor is a Thames/Syco production for ITV. X FACTOR - Series 12 Expect The UnexpectedÉ The X Factor returns to ITV UNDER STRICT EMBARGO UNTIL 00.01 ON SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST 2015 Picture Shows: NICK GRIMSHAAW, RITA ORA, CHERYL FERNANDEZ-VERSINI AND SIMON COWE.. Brand new Judging Panel and Presenters A return to Arena Auditions and all new LIVE JudgesÕ Houses TelevisionÕs biggest search for a music star is back as The X Factor returns to ITV, with a new stellar judging panel and a dynamic new presenting duo. The brand new super six sees Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora take their places at the judgesÕ desk, while presenters Olly Murs and Caroline Flack will be guiding the search to find a potential pop star with an amazing voice and that extra special something. ©Thames/Syco/Fremantle Media This photograph is (C) Thames / Syco Entertainment and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Plc Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itvpictures.com For further information please contact: shane.chapman@itv.com / 0207 157 3043 The X Factor is a Thames/Syco production for ITV. X FACTOR - Series 12 Expect The UnexpectedÉ The X Factor returns to ITV UNDER STRICT EMBARGO UNTIL 00.01 ON SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST 2015 Picture Shows: Brand new Judging Panel and Presenters A return to Arena Auditions and all new LIVE JudgesÕ Houses TelevisionÕs biggest search for a music star is back as The X Factor returns to ITV, with a new stellar judging panel and a dynamic new presenting duo. The brand new super six sees Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora take their places at the judgesÕ desk, while presenters Olly Murs and Caroline Flack will be guiding the search to find a potential pop star with an amazing voice and that extra special something. ©Thames/Syco/Fremantle Media This photograph is (C) Thames / Syco Entertainment and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Plc Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itvpictures.com For further information please contact: shane.chapman@itv.com / 0207 157 3043](/media/images/2015/10/x-factor-judges-2015-promo_4637x3095_ZHVDNu4.jpg)
But what The X Factor has also done – and why Attitude has decided to give the series this year’s Media Recognition Award – is to proudly showcase many talented LGBT singers. The likes of Joe McElderry, Lucy Spraggan, Rylan Clark, Jaymi Hensley and, erm Diva Fever have all been welcomed into viewers’ heart’s during The X Factor’s 10-year run, and the show’s contribution to LGBT visibility shouldn’t be underestimated.
As well as new judge Nick Grimshaw the current series has already thrown up a handful of varied LGBT talent including the very unique Seann Miley Moore, who auditioned in a leather skirt and admitted: “Music has allowed me to be me. If it makes you feel happy and right then do it.” Amen!
You can find out more about The X Factor – and the rest of winners from the 2015 Attitude Awards, presented in association with Virgin Holidays – in our special Attitude Awards issue, available to download from 11pm tonight at attitudedigital.co.uk and in shops tomorrow (Thursday October 15).
