Since launching in 2004, thousands of people have auditioned for ITV programme The X Factor, with stars including Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke and One Direction all going on to find fame.
The series also became hugely popular elsewhere in the world, with a US version of the programme launching in 2011.
Throughout the years, viewers have been introduced to singers from across the world, including Scottish singer Kerry McGregor, who died of cancer 10 years ago on January 4, 2012.
Sadly, Kerry is not the only contestant to have died since appearing on the programme, with many other singers and stars of the programme dying in recent years.
Ariel Burdett
(Image: ITV)
Ariel Burdett auditioned for the X Factor UK’s 2008 series, where she performed for a panel of judges including Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Danii Minogue and Cheryl.
Before performing, she took off her label after telling the judges that she was “a human being, not a number” and sang an original song for the panel, after explaining that she had experience as a “holistic vocal coach”.
However, despite her vocal coaching experience, Ariel did not successfully progress past the audition stage.
After her audition, Ariel changed her name to Ariel Starchild and continued to perform as a musician.
(Image: FACEBOOK)
However in November 2019, Ariel took her own life at her home in West Yorkshire, aged 38.
A pre-inquest hearing at the Coroner’s Court in 2019 told that concerns had been raised for Ariel’s welfare and her landlord visited the property after she did not respond to messages.
Friends and family paid tribute to the singer on social media, with one of her friends telling The Sun: “I think she regretted appearing on X Factor because she was actually a decent musician and it sort of tainted her.”
Freddie Combs
(Image: FOX)
Freddie Combs became a fan-favourite star on the US version of The X-Factor in 2012, impressing a panel of judges including Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid.
Singer Britney Spears was also a guest judge during his audition, and described Freddie’s voice as “shockingly amazing”.
At the time, Freddie weighed over 540lbs and it is reported that the judges said they would “back him” if he “promised to get healthy, lose weight and get out of his wheelchair”.
He kept his promise to the judges, losing over 140lbs before the first live show, and inspiring others through his weight loss journey.
Freddie was eliminated from The X Factor early on in the show, but continued to work as a Minister before his death from kidney failure on September 16, 2021.
His wife Kay paid tribute to him following his death, telling US website TMZ: “I have so much gratitude to be his wife for 25 years and to be his best friend.”
Simone Battle
(Image: Getty Images)
Simone Battle was one of X Factor US’s stand-out stars, impressing the judges after performing a soul rendition of La Roux’s hit Bulletproof, combined with The Pussycat Dolls’ When I Grow Up.
She was mentored by Simon Cowell on the 2011 series, with Simon telling her: “What I like about you is that you really are fearless.
“I think you would be fun to watch as a performer. I really, really like you.”
Simone went on to reach the final 17 and although she did not win the show, she was noticed by Talent Manager Robin Antin, who asked her to join a new all-girl group called G.R.L.
(Image: GC Images)
G.R.L, who featured members Lauren Bennett, Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton and Paula van Oppen, went on to score a Top Ten UK hit with Wild Wild Love and sang the global chart topper Ugly Heart.
However on September 5, 2014, Simone was found dead at her apartment after taking her own life.
Following her death, Simon Cowell paid tribute to the singer on social media, saying: “I am so sad to hear about the news Simone Battle has passed away. She was such a fun nice person. It’s such a loss. Rest in peace Simone.”
Thomas Wells
(Image: Facebook)
Thomas Wells was another star of the 2011 series of X Factor US, performing for a judging panel including Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger.
He made it all the way through to the bootcamp stage of the competition, wowing judges with renditions of songs including Rascal Flatts hit I Won’t Let Go, but sadly did not make it to the live rounds of the series.
As well as X Factor US, Thomas also competed in other singing competitions including The Voice and America’s Got Talent.
He continued to work in factories while performing on the programmes, but on November 26, 2021, Thomas’s wife confirmed that he had died following a “workplace accident” aged 46.
(Image: Facebook)
TMZ reported that he was involved in an accident at a tyre manufacturing plant, where part of his body became caught in the machine.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital and then airlifted to a hospital in Texas to receive specialist treatment, but later died from his injuries.
Thomas’s wife of 17 years paid tribute to him on TMZ, saying that he was a “unique person who always had a smile on his face and tried to make people laugh”.
She added that he would “sometimes bust out singing and didn’t mind the spotlight”.
Kerry McGregor
(Image: Talkback Thames)
Singer and charity fundraiser Kerry McGregor appeared on the third series of X Factor UK in 2006, where she was mentored by judge Sharon Osbourne.
The singer performed in a wheelchair after damaging her back aged 13, and when she was not performing, she worked with charities representing women, children and disabled people.
Kerry made it through to week three of the live rounds, but was later eliminated, with Leona Lewis going on to win the series.
(Image: Talkback Thames)
The singer lived with her partner and son in Scotland and four years later in 2010, she was diagnosed with bladder cancer at the age of 36.
Kerry died on January 5, 2012, with a statement from her management company saying: “It is with deep sadness we announce that Kerry passed away at home earlier today following a battle with cancer.
“At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
Sharon Osbourne also paid tribute to the singer on social media, adding: “So sad about Kerry McGregor’s passing. Much love and respect to her and her family.”
Deangelo Wallace
(Image: FOX)
Deangelo Wallace auditioned for X Factor US in 2012, but failed to impress judges including Britney Spears, Randy Jackson, Louis Walsh and Demi Lovato with his rendition of a Chris Brown song.
It was then reported that he left the studio with a microphone and was arrested soon after, with Deangelo still singing as he was arrested.
It was reported that in the years that followed, Deangelo lived in and out of homeless shelters, before he was shot dead outside Kansas City Police Station at the age of 28 on July 5, 2021.
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Following his death, Deangelo’s family said to news station Fox 4 that they wanted him to be remembered for more than just his appearance on the X Factor.
They said: “He was just a really beautiful person.
“He had the most upbeat personality. Always had a smile on his face.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
