Rebecca Ferguson demands overhaul of music industry as Jedward launch tirade against X Factor


Rebecca Ferguson has demanded a parliamentary inquiry and an overhaul of the music industry in a stunning series of tweets.   

The singer, 34, who appeared on The X Factor in 2010, took to Twitter to share the news as she insisted ‘enough is enough’.

It comes as Jedward launched a tirade against Simon Cowell and The X Factor claiming their regret on the ITV show was not telling the judges to ‘f**k off’. 

Rebecca’s statement, which she created on 31 March and posted on Monday, shared the singer’s ‘quest to protect artists’. 

Speaking out: Rebecca Ferguson has demanded a parliamentary inquiry and an overhaul of the music industry in a statement posted to Twitter on Monday (pictured in December)

Speaking out: Rebecca Ferguson has demanded a parliamentary inquiry and an overhaul of the music industry in a statement posted to Twitter on Monday (pictured in December) 

It read: ‘Rebecca Ferguson demands parliamentary inquiry and overhaul of music industry.

‘Former X Factor runner up and soul singer/songwriter Rebecca Ferguson is due to meet the Secretary of State, Oliver Dowden, from the department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport early next month to debate musicians’ welfare and treatment.  

‘The music industry is currently very much front of mind with the Commons Select Committee as the economics of music streaming is in the process of an investigation.

‘Rebecca is calling for the Select Committee to extend the interrogation beyond just streaming and for artist welfare to come under the microscope.

Tirade: It comes as Jedward launched a tirade against Simon Cowell and The X Factor claiming their regret on the ITV show was not telling the judges to 'f**k off' (pictured on the show in 2009)

Tirade: It comes as Jedward launched a tirade against Simon Cowell and The X Factor claiming their regret on the ITV show was not telling the judges to ‘f**k off’ (pictured on the show in 2009) 

'Enough is enough': The singer, 34, who appeared on The X Factor in 2010, took to Twitter to share the news as she insisted 'enough is enough'

‘Enough is enough’: The singer, 34, who appeared on The X Factor in 2010, took to Twitter to share the news as she insisted ‘enough is enough’

‘Rebecca has also reached out to a major UK broadcaster and Ofcom requesting for them both to conduct investigations into the treatment and processes involved with recruiting artists.

‘In her quest to protect artists, Rebecca has also launched a petition for the public to sign and support.

‘She is determined to launch a thorough inquiry into the treatment of creatives and artists within the industry.’

Adding a comment in the statement, Rebecca claimed she had been ‘warned for years about doing this’ and that her career could be ‘affected’ by ‘speaking out’.

She said: ‘People have warned me for years about doing this or have encouraged me not to speak out, and unfortunately, I realise that my career may be once again affected by speaking out.

‘However, enough is enough and musicians/artists/creatives need change, a lot of my damage has been done but this is about protecting people in the future.

Starting off their Twitter tirade, Jedward shared a video of them performing R.E.M. Everybody Hurts, they added: 'Everybody hurts [heart emoji]. It shouldn't be normal that all artists have to face the emotional and legal battles when all they wanted to do is sing!'

Starting off their Twitter tirade, Jedward shared a video of them performing R.E.M. Everybody Hurts, they added: ‘Everybody hurts [heart emoji]. It shouldn’t be normal that all artists have to face the emotional and legal battles when all they wanted to do is sing!’

Pictured: Rebecca also shared this picture on March 29 as she discussed her parliamentary inquiry and demands to overhaul the music industry

Pictured: Rebecca also shared this picture on March 29 as she discussed her parliamentary inquiry and demands to overhaul the music industry 

‘We need an immediate inquiry to take place to change the way people are allowed to operate in this industry!

‘The music industry brings billions of pounds into the UK economy each year in different ways – and the artists mainly responsible need to be treated with the utmost of care and respect for their contribution to society.

‘Great artists have gone before their contribution to society! Great artists have gone before me and spoken out, Prince and Nina Simone, for example, the list is endless, and we owe it to their legacy to create a safer industry.’

Rebecca added: ‘By regulating the music industry and holding people to account it will make for a happier and healthier working environment, which will in turn increase productivity! 

‘My proposals are not very different to other businesses, I just want the people working within the industry to have somebody above them, so that they can never become so powerful that their actions are unpunishable.

Way back when: Rebecca found fame in 2010 when she became the runner-up of the seventh series of The X Factor, losing out to Matt Cardle (pictured on The X Factor in 2010)

Way back when: Rebecca found fame in 2010 when she became the runner-up of the seventh series of The X Factor, losing out to Matt Cardle (pictured on The X Factor in 2010)

‘Music managers, agents etc should have a license for instance, just like in sports. They should also face a tribunal should they mistreat an artist or employee. 

‘We need this all to be regulated, people involved should be accountable to an official independent governing body. 

‘Anybody that is against this, does not love artists and wants to be able to keep an archaic system that does a disservice to music and humanity!’ 

Rebecca claimed to have been bullied, threatened and the victim of racism in a shocking condemnation of the entertainment industry in 2018.

In a Twitter post at the time, the singer released her ‘statement of truth’ in which she made shocking allegations towards members of the music business.

Tirade: It comes as twin brothers Jedward - John and Edward Grimes, both aged 29, who found fame on The X Factor in 2009, slammed the music industry (pictured in 2009)

Tirade: It comes as twin brothers Jedward – John and Edward Grimes, both aged 29, who found fame on The X Factor in 2009, slammed the music industry (pictured in 2009) 

Claiming that she felt too intimidated and in fear of the welfare of her children – Lillie, 18, and Karl, 16 – to speak out before, she admitted at the time that she ‘will not be silenced’ any longer on the issue.

Rebecca found fame in 2010 when she became the runner-up of the seventh series of The X Factor, losing out to Matt Cardle. 

She then signed a joint record deal with Syco Music and Epic Records in the UK and later signed with Columbia Records in the US.

Keeping the names of her alleged abusers anonymous, Rebecca claimed that whilst she may appeared to be thriving, she was subjected to the ‘absolute worst, systematic bullying’ behind-the-scenes.

It comes as twin brothers Jedward – John and Edward Grimes, both aged 29, who found fame on The X Factor in 2009, slammed music mogul Simon, 61, as ‘nothing but a bad facelift’ in a Twitter tirade against the show on Monday night.  

Claims: They branded music mogul Simon, 61, as 'nothing but a bad facelift' in a Twitter tirade against the show on Monday night (pictured in 2013)

Claims: They branded music mogul Simon, 61, as ‘nothing but a bad facelift’ in a Twitter tirade against the show on Monday night (pictured in 2013) 

Starting off their Twitter tirade, Jedward shared a video of them performing R.E.M.  Everybody Hurts, they added: ‘Everybody hurts [heart emoji].

‘It shouldn’t be normal that all artists have to face the emotional and legal battles when all they wanted to do is sing!’

The brothers continued in a series of lengthy tweets: ‘The Biggest regret in life was not telling the judges on Xfactor to f**k off,’ followed by a heart emoji.

They alleged: ‘Every contestant on the Xfactor was a slave to the show and got paid Zero while they made millions!  

‘The fact that every contestant has to act like their judge mentors them! When in reality all they care about is their pay check!’

Hitting out: Jedward went on to claim they were seeking 'justice' for One Direction and Little Mix who both found fame on The X Factor

Hitting out: Jedward went on to claim they were seeking ‘justice’ for One Direction and Little Mix who both found fame on The X Factor

They brutally added: ‘Simon Cowell thinks he’s the Mafia leader of the music industry when in reality he’s nothing but a bad facelift’ followed by a heart emoji.

Jedward went on to claim they were seeking ‘justice’ for One Direction and Little Mix who both found fame on The X Factor.

Little Mix originally made up of Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock – were formed on the show in 2011. In December, Jesy left the band as it had ‘taken a toll on her mental health’.

One Direction – made up of Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik,  and Louis Tomlinson were formed in 2010. The band has been on a hiatus since 2016 as they all launch solo careers.

Jedward claimed: ‘There’s a reason Syco is called Psycho! 1D and Little Mix are legally f***ed in contracts and can never speak out so we are!’

Launching a tirade against the music industry in general, Jedward continued: 'This isn't our story to tell!'

Launching a tirade against the music industry in general, Jedward continued: ‘This isn’t our story to tell!’

‘There’s nothing MODEST about their previous management dictating their every move from Relationships to how they live their own lives! Justice for 1D & Little Mix.’

Jedward went on to allege that they have One Direction’s contract, they continued: ‘We have 1D’s contract which was sent to use by mistake cuz we had the same label! Same management! Same security and accountants!

‘Legally posting contracts online is gonna end up in court but we’ve known for many years the situation! Niall! Liam! Louis! Zayn! Harry! You’re survivors’ followed by a heart emoji.

Launching a tirade against the music industry in general, Jedward continued: ‘This isn’t our story to tell! 

‘It’s an insight of how corrupt the music industry is! We’re sending courage & strength to all artists being f**k over! It ends now. 

They ended their Twitter tirade with: 'Just here casually waiting for the Lawyers to come threatening us! Good Luck from the whole fandom [heart emoji] justice is gonna be served! You can't silence the truth! Nobody can drag me down!'

They ended their Twitter tirade with: ‘Just here casually waiting for the Lawyers to come threatening us! Good Luck from the whole fandom [heart emoji] justice is gonna be served! You can’t silence the truth! Nobody can drag me down!’

‘Facts are facts we’re putting ourselves in a very dangerous position speaking out! Victims in the music industry need to be heard! Fans have known for years!

‘Artists are on the brink of collapse at the end of touring and having to act like everything is ok! Humans can’t be owned Artists shouldn’t be owned!

‘Eating disorders and depression are very common in the music industry and it’s cuz nobody cares about the artist’s mental health! only the money!’ 

Jedward continued on their tirade: ‘Security hired to watch and report back to management like baby sitters taking away artists Freedom to grow!

‘They always isolate artists from their families and make them dependent on fake industry friends who don’t have their back!’

Band: Little Mix originally made up of Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock - were formed on the show in 2011. In December, Jesy left the band as it had 'taken a toll on her mental health' (pictured in 2019)

Band: Little Mix originally made up of Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock – were formed on the show in 2011. In December, Jesy left the band as it had ‘taken a toll on her mental health’ (pictured in 2019)  

They added: ‘Non-Disclosure Agreements NDA’s are very prevalent in the music industry! Resulting in no one talking about the abuse/stuff that happens!’ 

They ended their Twitter tirade with: ‘Just here casually waiting for the Lawyers to come threatening us! Good Luck from the whole fandom [heart emoji] justice is gonna be served! You can’t silence the truth! Nobody can drag me down!’

MailOnline has contacted Simon Cowell, ITV, Syco, Little Mix and One Direction for comment. 

Over the summer, Jedward accused Simon of trying to ‘delete their legacy’ after one of their most iconic tracks was removed from streaming.

The singing twins took to Twitter to accuse the music mogul of pulling their cover of Vanilla Ice’s Under Pressure.

One Direction: One Direction - made up of Niall Horan, Harry Styles , Liam Payne , Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson were formed in 2010. The band has been on a hiatus since 2016 as they all launch solo careers (pictured in 2012)

One Direction: One Direction – made up of Niall Horan, Harry Styles , Liam Payne , Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson were formed in 2010. The band has been on a hiatus since 2016 as they all launch solo careers (pictured in 2012)  

Jedward performed Under Pressure on The X Factor in 2009 in a performance that’s gone down in TV history, and went onto release the track as a single that charted at Number 2 in the UK.

Taking to their joint Twitter account Jedward wrote: ‘Yo @SimonCowell and @SonyMusicUK

‘Why have you removed our Iconic 1st single Under Pressure Ice Ice baby from all streaming Platforms and deleted the official music video?

‘That’s our legacy! we’re outraged it’s part of Pop culture! We demand a response!’ 

Drama: Over the summer, Jedward accused Simon of trying to 'delete their legacy' after one of their most iconic tracks was removed from streaming (pictured in 2017)

Drama: Over the summer, Jedward accused Simon of trying to ‘delete their legacy’ after one of their most iconic tracks was removed from streaming (pictured in 2017) 

A source close to Simon told MailOnline at the time: ‘We have no control of this or how it happened.’

Jedward performed Under Pressure during Queen Week on The X Factor, sparking backlash from some viewers as they performed a cover of the version recorded by Vanilla Ice.

The pair were eventually eliminated in week seven, but released Under Pressure as a single which also reached number one in their native Ireland.

John and Edward also represented their home country at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011, finishing in eighth place, and also appeared the following year finishing in 19th place.

In recent years Jedward have continued to record and release new music, and also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2011 and 2017. 

Annoyed: The duo accused the music mogul of being responsible for the single being removed from streaming, just days after it was revealed he had bought out Sony Music

Annoyed: The duo accused the music mogul of being responsible for the single being removed from streaming, just days after it was revealed he had bought out Sony Music 

Raging: Jedward took to Twitter to share their upset, claiming the video for their song had also been removed

Raging: Jedward took to Twitter to share their upset, claiming the video for their song had also been removed

In December, it was claimed that The X Factor will reportedly not return to screens until 2022 at the very earliest.  

The hit talent contest, which has been running for 16 years, will take a break from ITV for at least 12 months amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, according to The Sun.

The X Factor was halted last year when coronavirus hit, rendering it impossible to produce the show, which involves mass gatherings for open public auditions. 

An insider told The Sun: ‘ITV has decided that next year just isn’t going to be feasible for X Factor.’ 

While The X Factor host, Dermot O’Leary, appeared to confirm the news during an appearance on Sunday Brunch.

The presenter admitted he had ‘no idea’ when the show would return and insisted it would ‘definitely’ not be back in 2021.

X Factor: The X Factor host, Dermot O'Leary, appeared to confirm recently that The X Factor would 'definitely' not be back in 2021 (pictured on The X Factor in 2016)

X Factor: The X Factor host, Dermot O’Leary, appeared to confirm recently that The X Factor would ‘definitely’ not be back in 2021 (pictured on The X Factor in 2016) 

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