The X Factor star Ariel Burdett ‘dies aged 38’

Her audition was one of the most iconic episodes in The X Factor HISTORY

Ariel Burdett

by Marianna Manson |
Updated on

The X Factor star Ariel Burdett has apparently passed away age 38 from unknown causes.

Singer Ariel’s X Factor audition in 2008 went down in history as one of the most incredible EVER and has certainly earned her a place in the hall of fame.

Back in those days, Ariel – real name Amy Burdett – rocked blonde and black dread locks and described herself to 2008 judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Dani Minogue and Cheryl Cole as a Holistic Vocal Coach, but her performance didn’t impress.

WATCH: Max and Harvey told off by ITV producers | The X Factor: Celebrity Secrets

Entering the room ripping off her number – declaring defiantly she was a “person not a number”, Ariel launched into a rendition of an unnamed song that she referred to as an “academic construction”, with each line sing in a different vocal style to demonstrate her versatility.

But judges were left open mouthed and Simon branded her performance “a complete and utter nightmare”, before Ariel told the judges to “shove a bit of metal right up their arses".

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UPDATE Celebrity Deaths 2019 - slider USE THIS ONE

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Freddie Starr, 76

Freddie Starr, of The Sun's "Freddie Starr ate my hamster" fame, was found dead in May at his home in Spain by a carer.

Celebrity Deaths 20192 of 41
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Annalise Braakensiek, 46

Former Play Your Cards Right model Annalise Braakensiek, who worked with TV legend Bruce Forsythe on the show, was found dead in her new house in January 2019. "Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment," she wrote on social media, shortly before her death. "Life's challenges have been deep, dark, difficult, demanding and down right scary lately."

Martha Ross3 of 41
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Martha Ross, 79

Jonathan Ross paid tribute to his mum Martha in January 2019 after she died aged 79, She played a stall-holder at Bridge Street Market in EastEnders.

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Karl Lagerfeld, 85

Fashion powerhouse and Creative Director of Chanel since 1983 and Fendi since 1965, Karl died in Paris in February following a brief period of ill health, continuing to work right up until his death.One of the most prolific and controversial figures in fashion, tributes have poured in for Karl following the tragic news. "Fashion show after fashion show, collection after collection, Karl Lagerfeld left his mark on the legend of Gabrielle Chanel and the history of the House of Chanel," Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, said today. "He steadfastly promoted the talent and expertise of Chanel's ateliers and Métiers d'Art, allowing this exceptional know-how to shine throughout the world. The greatest tribute we can pay today is to continue to follow the path he traced by – to quote Karl – 'continuing to embrace the present and invent the future'."

Peter Tork, 775 of 41

Peter Tork, 77

The bassist of 70's pop group the Monkees passed away peacefully at his home in February, aged 77. A statement from his family on his facebook page said,"Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter's energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.

Albert Finney, 826 of 41
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Albert Finney, 82

Legendary actor Albert Finney, who played Daddy Warbucks in Annie, died in February after "a short illness",

Mark Hollis, 647 of 41
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Mark Hollis, 64

Founder and front-man of 80's synthpop band Mark Hollis died age 64 in February from unspecified causes, with tributes to musician pouring in on Twitter."RIP Mark Hollis. Cousin-in-law," wrote Anthony Costelloe. "Wonderful husband and father. Fascinating and principled man. Retired from the music business 20 years ago but an indefinable musical icon."And a former band mate said, "Musically he was a genius and it was a honour and a privilege to have been in a band with him."I have not seen Mark for many years, but like many musicians of our generation I have been profoundly influenced by his trailblazing musical ideas."

Lisa Sheridan, 448 of 41
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Lisa Sheridan, 44

Actress Lisa Sheridan, best known for her roles in CSI: Miami and other US TV series', was found dead in her home aged just 44 in February.

Janice Freeman, 339 of 41
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Janice Freeman, 33

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Luke Perry, 52

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Keith Flint, 4911 of 41
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Keith Flint, 49

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Mike Thalassitis12 of 41
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Mike Thalassitis, 26

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Britain's Got Talent13 of 41
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Jack Saunders, 25

Britain's Got Talent finalist Jack Saunders died in March 2019. He was part of the dance troupe Green Force Five, and had also performed at the Olympics, 2012, as well as on X Factor and Sky's Got To Dance. His girlfriend Frankie has since spoken out about men's mental health, and the importance of seeking help.

Alex Mytton's mum14 of 41
CREDIT: Instagram

Alex Mytton's mum

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Sandy Ratcliff, 7015 of 41
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Sandy Ratcliff, 70

Mya-Lecia Naylor, 1616 of 41
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Mya-Lecia Naylor, 16

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Elsa Patton, 8417 of 41
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Elsa Patton, 84

Real Housewives of Miami star Elsa Patton passed away in May aged 84. She rose to fame after her daughter, Marysol Patton was cast in the Miami version of the Real Housewives franchise. "Our beloved Elsa Patton (AKA Mama Elsa) passed away over Mother's Day weekend after a long illness," the family said in a statement. "She was surrounded by her family and close friends. Elsa was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Donald Patton who passed away last February of 2018,"

Melissa Ede, 5818 of 41
CREDIT: Closer

Melissa Ede, 58

Trans lottery winner Melissa Ede, who once told Closer she hoped to outshine Caitlyn Jenner as a trans icon, passed away aged 58 in May 2019. She died less than a week after a 5-day hospital stay after showing 'classic signs' of a heart attack."It does make you think. While I was laid on the bed with ambulance people around me, you do start to think 's**t what is this all about?What am I doing, I have just won £4m and I'm going to peg it?'. I need to be doing more in life," she said.Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/13/transgender-national-lottery-winner-melissa-ede-dies-58-9511608/?ito=cbshareTwitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

Doris Day, 9719 of 41
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Doris Day, 97

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Philippe Zdar20 of 41
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Philippe Zdar

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Beth Chapman

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William Simons

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Douglas Fielding

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James Clarke AKA Fungi

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Freddie Jones

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Ben Unwin, 41

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Brian Turk, 49

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Aron Eisenberg, 50

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Juliette Kaplan

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Gary Rhodes

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Ariel Burdett41 of 41
CREDIT: ITV

Ariel Burdett

X Factor audition icon Ariel Burdett died in November 2019, with her death announced by one of her friends on Facebook. It is not known what the singer died of.

Ariel Burdett
Ariel Burdett ©ITV

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A friend of Ariel – who changed her name to Arabella Starchild after the now infamous X Factor audition – announced on her Facebook page that she’d passed away, writing, “Unfortunately Ara has passed away.

“If anyone would like information on her funeral, please email: inmemoryofamyarastarblaze@gmail.com to speak to her brother Giles. RIP.”

Friends and fans took to the comments to express their sorry, with one writing, “Ariel Burdett is gone. What a loss,” and another writing, “I can’t believe that she died… rest in peace, Ariel Burdett.”

The X Factor fans are currently gripped by the rebooted version of The X Factor: Celebrity which will see the likes of Megan McKenna, YouTubers Max and Harvey and The Chase star Jenny Ryan compete in the final this weekend.

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