X Factor fans are unhappy that show ‘murdered’ George Michael hits
BERLIN – FEBRUARY 16: Singer George Michael poses at the “George Michael: A Different Story” Photocall during the 55th annual Berlinale International Film Festival on February 16, 2005 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** George Michael
Fans are unhappy at a George Michael-themed live X Factor show, saying the performances “ruined” the star’s hits.
This weekend’s live shows are themed around the Wham! frontman, who died suddenly on Christmas Day 2016.
Contestants on Saturday night performed some of his most famous songs, and are scheduled to do the same tonight.
Fans accused the show of “murdering” the music of the late star.
Many took umbrage at a version of the hit ‘Faith’ by Rak Su, which included a rap verse.
“George Michael will be turning in his grave,” said one fan on Twitter.
A second added: “George Michael is trending number one in the UK because we’re all horrified hat this is happening.”
And another said: “What a shambles.”
“I do wonder if the sound quality isn’t conveying as well to the viewers at home as it is in the X Factor studio. These singers sound awful and they’re murdering George Michael classics!” said another.
Others called the show a “disgrace” for the live episode.
The George Michael special came just two weeks after he scored a posthumous number one album with Listen Without Prejudice.
George appeared on the ITV talent show himself back in 2009.
He performed with gay X Factor contestant Joe McElderry shortly before he won the show in front of millions of viewers.
McElderry now says he treasures the time they spent together as performers.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, he said: “I was so shocked,” he says.
“To work with him first of all was incredible, but I was just a fan, full stop.
“I’d have been just as upset if I hadn’t worked with him because I was a massive fan.
“I admired him and his music, and he was such a lovely, humble man which made it 10 times sadder.”
The pair had one of the great duets of X Factor history in the 2009 final.
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An estimated 20 million tuned in for the extraordinary moment – the most-watched episode in the show’s long history.
However it would be the only time McElderry crossed paths with the global Wham! star.
He said: “We spent an hour-and-a-half in the dressing room.
“We had a great chat and a cup of tea and discussed the industry.
“I’m sure if I would have bumped into him we’d have had a lovely catch-up, but I never did meet him again.
“I’ll always treasure that time and how lovely he was – it was an overwhelming experience.”
