Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has candidly revealed the profound embarrassment she felt after receiving scathing criticism from Gary Barlow during her memorable X Factor audition. The 34-year-old artist, who went on to win the competition with her bandmates in 2011, described the experience as utterly mortifying in the debut episode of her new Amazon Prime Video documentary series, Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix.
A Painful Memory from the Audition Room
Reflecting on that fateful day, Jesy recounted how Gary Barlow, then 55 and serving as a judge on the ITV talent show, delivered brutally honest feedback that left her reeling. At just 20 years old, she had performed a rendition of Jazmine Sullivan's Bust Your Windows, hoping to impress the Take That frontman in Simon Cowell's absence. Instead, Barlow branded her performance as 'generic' and criticised her for 'lacking individuality', ultimately deciding not to put her through to the next round.
Emotional Aftermath and Camera Intrusion
Jesy explained that the harsh comments overshadowed any positive feedback from fellow judges Louis Walsh, Tulisa, and Kelly Rowland. She recalled feeling an immediate urge to leave the stage, consumed by humiliation at the thought of her friends watching the broadcast. 'From that minute that he tore me to pieces, I just wanted to walk off stage,' she admitted. 'I was just mortified and all I kept thinking was, I can't believe all my friends are going to see this, I'm so embarrassed.'
The emotional distress continued backstage, where producers captured her tearful reaction on camera. Jesy described how they encouraged her to address the camera directly, prompting her to say, 'Gary, I'm going to prove you wrong.' This moment, she noted, encapsulated how the single negative critique dominated her thoughts despite the judges' overall praise.
Personal Challenges Beyond the Spotlight
Beyond her music career, Jesy has faced significant personal challenges in recent years. In May 2025, she welcomed twin daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster with fiancé Zion Foster, though the couple has since announced their separation. The split followed the heartbreaking diagnosis of both twins with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1, a life-altering genetic condition.
Healthcare Concerns and Co-Parenting Focus
Jesy has publicly expressed frustration that healthcare professionals initially missed the SMA symptoms, which were eventually identified by her mother. In a recent Sky News interview, she described the past few months as 'the most heartbreaking time of my life', while also explaining the 'understandable reason' behind her split from Zion. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she emphasised that their relationship dynamic shifted under the strain, but both remain committed to co-parenting. 'We have been through such a traumatic experience and for us, our girls are our main priority and our main focus,' she stated.
Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix premieres on Amazon Prime Video on 13th February, offering an intimate look at her journey beyond the girl group fame.
