Jesy Nelson has candidly addressed the painful experience she endured during her X Factor audition 15 years ago, calling out judge Gary Barlow for his harsh and “mortifying” critique.
At just 20 years old, Jesy auditioned for the eighth series of the ITV talent show as a solo artist. While judges Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland, and Tulisa Contostavlos offered her encouragement, Gary Barlow was less kind. He told Jesy her performance “lacked individuality” and was “generic,” ultimately denying her progression to the bootcamp stage.
Jesy reveals she desperately wanted Gary’s approval, and his rejection left her feeling crushed. “From that minute he tore me to shreds, I just wanted to walk off stage,” she shared in her new Prime Video documentary, Life After Little Mix, premiering February 13. “I was mortified thinking about all my friends watching.”
READ MORE: Jesy Nelson Reveals True Cause of Split with Zion Foster Amid Twins' SMA Diagnosis
READ MORE: ‘I won huge EuroMillions jackpot – but there’s something I wanted more than money’
Despite the setback, Jesy returned to the show and was grouped with Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall. Under Tulisa’s mentorship, the newly formed girl group Little Mix made history as the first female group to win the competition.
Jesy also recalled the additional pressure she faced after the audition. Though other judges had positive things to say, Gary’s harsh words haunted her. The production team even pushed for a tearful, on-camera reaction, asking Jesy to say, “Gary, I’m going to prove you wrong.”
Looking back on this difficult chapter in her life is emotional, but Jesy approaches it with honesty in her documentary series. Beyond her musical journey, Jesy also delves into her personal life, including motherhood after welcoming twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, last year.
Recently, Jesy revealed the devastating news that her daughters have been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a severe muscular disease that affects every muscle in the body. She has since campaigned for newborn screening for SMA to prevent delayed diagnoses like hers.
Jesy’s powerful story of resilience and triumph shines through her documentary, available exclusively on Prime Video from February 13.