Megan McKenna hits back at 'unfair advantage' claims on The X Factor: Celebrity

She's released a Country album in the past

Author: Alex RossPublished 23rd Oct 2019

When it was revealed earlier this year that the original series of The X Factor would be replaced by an All Stars and a Celebrity version, fans were a little apprehensive to say the least... But two episodes in and it seems the new concept has proved a massive hit with viewers!

After the likes of Jenny Ryan, Megan McKenna, Kevin McHale, and Love Island stars Wes Nelson, Eyal Booker, Zara McDermott and Samira Mighty took to the stage at Simon's swanky LA mansion, fans were pleasantly surprised by their impressive vocals.

Of course, shows like The X Factor: Celebrity always whip up a bit of debate online, and some viewers were quick to express they think former TOWIE star Megan McKenna had an 'unfair advantage' over her competitors.

After quitting the world of reality TV, Megan pursued a career in music, specifically in the country music world... Which wasn't mentioned during last weekend's show.

In 2018, Megan released her debut album 'Story of Me', which featured original singles like 'High Heeled Shoes', 'Everything But You', and 'Far Cry From Love', which reached Number 6 on the UK Country Charts.

Due to this, a number of annoyed viewers were confused as to why Megan was taking part in the show, with many believing the former Celebrity Big Brother star to have an 'unfair advantage'.

Hitting back at the claims, Megan has defended herself, telling the Radio Times, "Obviously I sing, and I’ve been recording in the past but it’s never been on the scale of what this could be. This is for a major record label.

“In the past I’ve had a very small independent label help me do an album and I’m so grateful for that but as anybody knows in the music industry, that is down there.

“I’m just the same as everybody else. This is my dream and I’m just hoping that this show can just be the start really as I want to do this full-time."

Check out which celebs are taking part in The X Factor: Celebrity:

Megan McKenna

Reality star Megan McKenna has ditched her reality roots in recent years to focus on her music career, releasing a country album called 'Story Of Me' in 2018.


Will she impress the judges?

Jenny Ryan

As well as her recent appearance on Celebrity MasterChef, The Chase legend Jenny Ryan showcased her singing talents.

Max and Harvey

British lads Max and Harvey have enjoyed a massive rise in fame thanks to the app musical.ly. Although they've both been performing since they were kids, the duo have now performed to massive crowds across the world.

V5

Social media stars Sofia, Alondra, Laura, Wendii and Natalie have joined forces to create girl group V5.

Kevin McHale

American actor Kevin McHale is no stranger to the music world! Kevin appeared on hit show Glee as Artie Abrams, before landing a music deal with Universal Music Group. Unfortunately, he lost his place on the show in Week 4.

Try Stars

Rugby stars Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis have all teamed up to create a Sports Supergroup called Try Stars. Sadly, they left the competition in Week 5 with Vinnie Jones.

Vinnie Jones

After initially pulling out of the show following the tragic death of his wife Tanya in July, Vinnie Jones was invited to the live shows by Simon Cowell, with the former footballer saying, "I'd be honoured, she would love me to do it." Sadly, he left the competition in Week 5 with Try Stars.

Hayley Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff's 27-year-old daughter Hayley was sent packing after her audition. Hayley failed to impress her mentor Louis Walsh, meaning she didn't make it to the live shows.

Cole and Edwards

Former Strictly dancer Brendan and former Holby City actor Jeremy were also sent home after their initial audition, failing to impress mentor Simon Cowell.

Ricki Lake

Ricki Lake lost her place on the show when she received the lowest votes from the public during the first live show.

Olivia Olson

Despite Simon Cowell telling her she could 'win' the show, Love Actually actress Olivia Olson was sent home during the first live show.

Jonny Labey

Despite getting a 'safe seat' during the first live show, former EastEnders actor Jonny Labey was given the boot in Week Two.

Victoria Ekanoye

After quitting Coronation Street in January this year, soap star Victoria Ekanoye landed a role on Celebrity X Factor, but her time on the show was cut short when she was voted out in the second live show.

No Love Lost

Despite singing some of their original songs on the show, Love Island stars Samira Mighty, Eyal Booker, Zara McDermott and Wes Nelson were given the boot during the third live show.

Martin Bashir

After forgetting his lyrics the week before, the third live show proved the end for broadcasting legend Martin Bashir.

Meanwhile, in other Celebrity X Factor news, The Chase star Jenny Ryan has been brought back into the competition by mentor Nicole Scherzinger, after a tonne of viewers complained that she was unfairly ditched.

Actor Vinnie Jones has also joined the show, admitting to Simon Cowell that his late wife Tanya "would love me to do it.”

The footballer turned actor also vowed to donate any money he makes off the show to the hospitals his wife received cancer treatment at. Vinnie wrote on Twitter, 'I've decided any proceeds of a record contract from X-factor will go to Harefield hospital and Cedars Sinai. NOW im ready to Rock n Roll 👊🏻 @TheXFactor #CelebrityXFactor'. sic

The X Factor: Celebrity live shows take place on Saturday 26th October.

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