X Factor 2016: Simon Cowell defends Honey G after controversy over 'offensive' rap act

The likes of Lily Allen and Professor Green have hit out at the 35 year-old rapper
Controversial: Honey G has been defended as 'fun' by Simon Cowell
ITV
Ben Travis5 November 2016

Simon Cowell addressed the controversy surrounding Honey G in the latest X Factor live show.

Following the 35 year-old ‘North Weezy’ rapper’s performance of Kriss Kross’ 1992 hit Jump, the head judge defended her as ‘fun’.

“So many people are getting their knickers in a twist over you,” he said. “Music can be fun. You’re believable and entertaining.

He added: “Behind the scenes you’re one of the nicest contestants on the show.”

The performer – real name Anna Georgette Gilford – has been dubbed ‘offensive’ by Lily Allen, while rapper Professor Green accused her of ‘taking the mickey out of rap’.

However, Honey G received significant praise from every judge on the show, dubbed her ‘best performance by a mile’.

“Honey G, you smashed it,” said Louis Walsh, praising mentor Sharon Osbourne’s song choice for Girlband vs Boyband week. “This is your best performance by a mile so far.”

Nicole Scherzinger was impressed at the technical precision of Honey’s rapping.

“Girl, you didn’t shut it down – you brought the house down tonight,” she said. “I’m not going to lie, that is the most difficult rap you’ve done so far.

X Factor 2016 Live Finalists

1/12

“Tonight you have earned my respect, because all the hard work you’re putting into this is paying off.”

Honey G’s mentor Sharon even brought up the prospect of the rapper’s own album: “I am so happy for you, and you know what I can’t wait for? I can’t wait for the Honey G album.”

Elsewhere in the live show, Matt Terry received mixed feedback for his take on Wham’s I’m Your Man, Sam Lavery covered the Girls Aloud version of I’ll Stand By You, and Ryan Lawrie performed The Beatles’ Twist and Shout.

ITV, 8pm

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in