The school that helped teach 16-year-old X Factor contestant Ella Henderson to sing has branded the show ‘manipulative’ after she was voted off it last night.
Ella was pitted against James Arthur in a sing-off after the two acts gained the least votes from the public in the prime-time programme.
The judges were split on who should go, so left the decision to the public – and James got through after gaining more votes than Ella.
Within two hours of the result, a Facebook group was launched called Shame on X Factor Poor Ella Henderson.
And now, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, where Ella was taught, has described the result as a ‘travesty’.
Spokesman Miriam Juviler said: “We have to see The X Factor for what it is. It is manipulative and it creates these kind of situations, because it is designed to shock.
“I think The X Factor has run its course and needs to be revamped.”
She said Gary Barlow is the only ‘serious industry judge’ on the ITV talent contest, adding that the other three ‘have probably passed their sell-by date’.
But she expects Ella to get a recording contract out her experience anyway, because the show has broadcast her ‘extraordinary’ voice to the masses.
Ella may have left the show because of people who are ‘joke-voting’ for entertainers like Rylan Clark rather than the most talented singers, Ms Juviler added.
She said: “Even if Rylan were to win – God forbid – he would be forgotten in three months. I am sure he’s a lovely chap, but he’s not a singer.”
Even Simon Cowell, the show’s creator, last night tweeted: “Ella! Gone??? Unbelievable.”