X Factor 2015 winner Louisa Johnson defends latest batch of finalists as she appears at Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on
Singer says viewers don't realise how hard contestants work behind the scenes
LOUISA Johnson has spoken out in defence of this year's X Factor finalists, after some spoke of being "hurt" and "in tears" over mean comments about them on social media.
The 18-year-old singer, last year's winner of the ITV talent show, chatted with The Sun Online ahead of her performance at the Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on in London Sunday evening.
Louisa told us: "It's strange to watch [X Factor] now that you know what goes on behind the scenes.
"It's really busy. People think you just turn up and sing, but there's a lot of early mornings and late nights.
"It's a lot of hard work, and I think people should cut the contestants some slack. It's not just about the singing, there's a lot going on."
The teen's comments come after finalists Four of Diamonds revealed they were "hurt and upset" by the vitriol on Twitter when they were saved at the expense of Gifty Louise.
On Saturday night's show, the girl group and Ryan Lawrie were shown scrolling through negative tweets about them, with Ryan commenting: "It really hurts to read their words. It kind of makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong, and maybe I'm not wanted here... It's really tough."
Louisa, who is the youngest ever winner of X Factor, said her best advice to contestants about dealing with trolls is to "just cut it out", adding: "If you're happy, that's what matters."
The star said her favourite act on this year's series is 5 After Midnight.
She added of controversial contestant Honey G: "She's cool, she's doing her thing. She's obviously living her dream so if she's happy that's all you can really say.
"I do think she's real. I do, I really do."
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Louisa, who recently released her debut solo single, So Good, almost a year after her victory on X Factor, also spoke about her upcoming album, slated for release next year.
She said: "There's a lot of different music styles on there, it's not just one genre. It's very real and personal and honest.
"It's about everyday life really, what everyone goes through: relationships, parents, just random things with your friends and experiences you have, a bit of everything."
Louisa joined Grammy nominee Craig David and Brit pop rock band The Vamps, as well as London mayor Sadiq Khan, for the switch-on.
Millions of families flocked to the festive event, hosted by Capital and launched in partnership with the NSPCC.
The kids' charity's Little Stars campaign allows members of the public to name one of the famous lights after someone special, in exchange for a donation.