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X Factor performers ‘pay to play’
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Now we never knew this. According to an article in the Daily Mirror, The X Factor’s Sunday night guest stars actually have to pay their own way if they want to appear on the show – with show judge Cheryl Cole shelling out £65,000 for the privilege.
"The performers have to pay their own production costs and it can be a small fortune,” said an insider. "The money is spent on hiring dancers, costumes, extra lighting, lasers and any other special effects they require."
So far Cheryl has proved to be the star with the deepest pockets, but JLS, who had to pay extra to install rising platforms at the front of the stage, spent £55,000, Alexandra Burke splurged £60,000 to do her song ‘Bad Boys’, and Westlife handed over £57,000 for their flashy laser performance. Even Whitney Houston’s performance racked up a £60,000 bill.
Added another source: "JLS had to bring in special risers while Cheryl and Alexandra had lots of dancers and Westlife had an amazing light show.”
“The labels are more than happy to cover the costs as it means their acts are getting exposure to audiences in their millions. Look at the success that Cheryl and Alexandra have had on the back on the show – both of them had No.1 hits.
"It's a ratings juggernaut and the record companies know that and don't mind paying for it. Let's be honest, where else could Bon Jovi be exposed to almost 16 million viewers on a Sunday night in November?"
Good point. We wouldn’t mind a go if anyone’s got any spare change kicking around.
by Will Parkhouse, Friday 6 November 2009
Source: Daily Mirror
Picture: Rex
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