Very vocal: Pete has voiced his opinion about Shirlena being axed from the show
Peter Andre has said that he feels sorry for axed X Factor singer Shirlena Johnson, and that he thinks she should be allowed to continue to carve out a singing career regardless.
The 30-year-old mum was seen on the first audition show of this year’s series, and left judges and the audience open-mouthed with her bizarre rendition of Duffy’s hit Mercy - however Simon Cowell loved her outlandish performance.
It later emerged that she is suffering from mental health problems which she failed to disclose to the production team of The X Factor. Psychiatric experts described Johnson as a "ticking timebomb” and said that she might not be fit to care for her young daughter Mariah.
Shirlena was told it was in her best interests not to continue on the show – but Pete has said that he feels “so sad” for her, while writing in his column for New! magazine.
"I read that Simon Cowell was forced to let Shirlena Johnson go from this year's X Factor after he was advised she may not be able to cope with the pressures of the show,” he said.
"Although some people have said she wasn't the greatest singer, I feel so sad for Shirlena and feel that she should have a chance to make a better life for her and her daughter."
Andre, who is the ex-husband of Katie Price, added: "I know Simon is acting in her best interests," he said. "But we have a saying in the industry that music has no barriers and it doesn't matter about your ability or disability, sex or race - everyone is an equal."
MORE ON PETE:
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