Tony Cowell
Honey G, 36, was last year’s X Factor surprise act. Here, she opens up about coming out as gay, and her dream of marriage and kids…
The rap artist was the surprise attraction of last year’s XFactor, and was heavily rumoured to be heading into the CelebrityBigBrother House last week (but her manager later stated, ‘Her priority is concentrating on her music’). It’s OK, though – Honey G hasn’t gone into hiding. She recently came out as a lesbian and is ready to assault the music world with her new single…
Have you ever been out of work since The X Factor?
No, I’ve been very lucky. When I left X Factor, I did 40 nightclub shows in the UK and Ireland and, of course, the X Factor tour. I then went for a break in LA just to get a bit of privacy – and I also hooked up with Kelly Osbourne. She’s become a good mate.
You’re getting a lot of support after coming out. Did that surprise you?
I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support I’ve had. I was so worried about homophobia, and that’s why I didn’t come out during X Factor. I remember Simon asking me at the audition stage whether I had a boyfriend, and I said no, I was single. But now, I just want to be honest about my sexuality.
Were you unhappy before? Was that partly why you decided to come out?
I suppose I was unhappy, because now I feel relieved, like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders. But I was always wary that some people in the UK aren’t used to gay people, and I understand that, but there are hundreds of gay couples who are now getting married and having kids through IVF – so why not me?
Are you happier now, then?
Yes, I am. I just needed to tell people where I stand, and I’m relieved I’ve told the truth.
Was it difficult doing that recent nude shoot for a newspaper, or was it fun?
It was quite hard, because I don’t have a size-8 body and I struggle with my weight. I’ve never taken my kit off before, because I don’t see myself as a sex symbol, like a Page 3 model. My legs and arms are OK, but I tried to cover up my tummy fat. But actually, I thought the pictures came out really nicely. When I saw them, I went, ‘Oh, my God – wow!’
You kept your sexuality a secret during X Factor. Did Sharon [Osbourne] know the truth, and was she supportive?
Sharon was incredible, particularly when the press would ask me about my sexuality. I pleaded with them not to publish anything about me being gay – and Sharon would always step in and say something at that point to
deflect them. She was very protective and she knew that I wasn’t ready to come out during the show.
How supportive has your family been?
My family supported me from day one. They’ve always known I was gay, but now there’s this sense of relief having come out.
You’re still looking for that special someone. How would you describe your perfect partner?
I believe that beauty comes from within so, if I meet someone who I think is a beautiful person, then I would want to get to know them – whether they were a celebrity or not. It’s not just about what they look like – it’s about what’s inside.
Do you see a time when you’ll want to settle down and have kids?
I’m ready to settle down now and have a long-term relationship, because I don’t want to have kids on my own. I really need to find the right partner to do that.
How do you look back on your time on X Factor?
With great fondness, because X Factor changed my life. Before it, I was in thousands of pounds’ worth of debt. I’ve since cleared my debts, because I’m now earning a good living from the music business, and I’m one step closer to my dream of being a successful rapper. If it weren’t for Simon, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So I’m very grateful for what he and Sharon have done for me.
Do you keep in touch with Sharon?
I do, yes. She is still helping me and I see a lot of her daughter, Kelly, when I’m in the States. But I haven’t spoken to Simon since the X Factor final.
Will you be watching this year’s X Factor?
Definitely. I still love the show, and I’m glad Simon has kept the same judging panel. I’m hoping I’ll be invited back to perform – in fact, I’m speaking to producers at the moment.
So, what does the future hold for you?
Well, I’ve been writing a new album, and have two new songs already. I have my own studio at home. I released a new single on my own label in June, so I’m promoting that. I’m getting more radio airplay in America than in the UK, but I’m working on that. I’m in a good place right now!