Petition Launched To Bring X Factor Malta Contestant Back After Controversial Elimination Shocks Audience
Francesca Borg’s X Factor journey came to an abrupt end last night, but a petition has since been launched asking the production team to bring the young singer back for the live shows.
After rock-chick Jozi stole Borg’s seat in the final roster for Judges’ Houses, viewers accused judge Alex Alden of sensationalism with Howard Keith even questioning her decision on the matter.
Alex Alden rode the drama train through every stop last night, that’s for sure.
While deciding on the final act to pass on to the next stage of the talent competition, Alden chose to pin earlier fan favourite Francesca Borg against rocker Jozi in a sing-off to fill her last seat. Howard Keith had let Alden know that, for him, the choice was obvious.
We’d already seen Francesca earn the second seat of the night, after Mark Morales, when she took to stage with Demi Lovato’s Rise Up.
“These are both really incredible performers,” Alex explained to the audience as they launched into an uproar before Borg sang her heart out to the tune of Demi Lovato’s Father. Jozi fought back with Rag’n’Bone Man’s Human.
Alex admitted the choice in front of her wasn’t an easy one to make, but then asked Jozi to take a seat and the audience tone shifted.
But since the episode aired last night, viewers have been sharing a Change.org petition calling for Alden’s decision to be reversed.
One of the signatures on the petition left a comment, explaining the reason behind their signing as being because “Francesca was [the better performaner] than Jozi”.
“Shame on your judgement,” another blasted Alex, “her voice sounds magic, her personality shines, her energy is explosive and her passion transmits warmth! She did not deserve a sing-off!!”
Other fans of the show were quick to jump to Borg’s defence, slamming Alden for “creating sensationalism at its best”.
The petition currently has just over 250 signatures. It is currently unknown if judge Alden is aware of the episode’s backlash.