Jillian Jensen brings bullying center stage on The X Factor

Last updated on: September 17, 2012 at 12:25 pm by Phil Fox Rose

Jillian Jensen brings bullying center stage on The X Factor 2012-09-17T12:25:42-04:00 Phil Fox Rose

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On Wednesday’s premiere of season two of The X Factor, we were treated to a stunning performance by Jillian Jensen singing a Jessie J song to Demi Lovato and the other judges. Of course I realize there was a lot of packaging involved, but it was very moving. [If you’re a snarky cynical anti-pop person, you can tune out now.] Some of you might think this is just fluff, but I think of all the young girls who struggle with self-esteem issues that might have been helped by seeing Jillian, and who’ve already been helped by Demi and Jessie J. In the package, Jillian explains how she faced bullying in middle and high school, and how vicious it was. It’s hard not to be moved by the hurt she obviously still feels and by witnessing the obviously strained family, before she even starts singing. Here’s Jillian Jensen’s performance and the whole package with her background and the judge’s reactions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtvqlTyP5sY

Demi Lovato, who joined the X Factor panel this year, is a former Barney kid and Disney star who came to wider attention a few years ago when she left her hit show and went into rehab — eventually revealing that she faced intense bullying in middle school and had struggled ever since with bulimia and self-harming. She has become a role model and powerful example to young women who struggle with self-image and helps promote an organization called Love is Louder. Jillian has found strength in Demi’s example, and was clearly moved just to be in her presence on The X Factor. Here’s Demi:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__OjckyhiQo

I’m just guessing the incredible British singer Jessie J didn’t always have the easiest time in her school days. Her songs often include moving messages of love and inspiration. The one Jillian chose to sing, “Who You Are,” is a powerful testament to loving yourself and being true to yourself against all the pressures to conform, with the chorus line, “It’s OK not to be OK.” Here’s a great live version of Jessie J doing it:

Of course there are other artists who’ve also taken up this issue — Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift come to mind immediately — but I was struck watching the show by the combination of these three strong beautiful talented women who’ve had their self-esteem attacked by small, small people. X Factor, you got me. Bawling.

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