X Factor scandal as Gamu unfairly axed

Millions of British viewers on Sunday watched in horror as X Factor hot favourite contestant Gamu Nhengu from Zimbabwe was unfairly axed from the talent show despite performing better than Cher Lloyd who took her place.

Cheryl Cole selected Lloyd and Katie Waissel for her three acts – both of whom made serious mistakes during their judges houses rounds. Cher Lloyd was ill on the day she performed for Cheryl and broke down in tears, unable to complete her song. Katie Waissel, who had forgotten her lyrics on her first audition, also fumbled her way through her performance for Cheryl and Will.I.Am.

Bookies favourite Gamu on the other had wowed the judges with consistently good performances, and a unique way of reinterpreting songs that made her stand out from the 200,000 strong crowd. Some critics went as far as to complain that Cheryl was being racist in choosing a predominantly white line-up, especially considering that the majority of the shortlist were black.

“I thought you were adorable, I got you. I love your style of song and how you perform,” unashamed Cheryl told the 18-year Zimbabwean student who lives in Scotland in a tense moment before delivering the bad news. “I’m sorry Gamu,” she went on, “I don’t think I can take you further forward. You just need to keep going and get some more experience.”

There still may be a chance for Gamu though, as rumours abound that there’ll be a wildcard round and some contestants from judges’ houses may return. A Facebook group has also sprung up for people who think “Gamu should’ve got through”, which already has over 19,000 members.