Solo artist, band member, model, songwriter, dancer, fashion designer, author, footballers wife, judge and now mentor! She has been the face of L’Oreal, Vogue and probably Britain! Yes it’s the one and only Cheryl Cole! Cheryl has gone through a series of different careers, going from one extreme to the next, and since her debut album release and her career as an X- Factor judge, Cheryl is now bigger then ever. Now that the Girls Aloud star is known world wide, does this mean she is our new generations face of Britain? Is Mrs Cole the new icon for our young British girls? Is the ‘fight for this love’ singer representing Britain’s ability! Does Cheryl Cole…… have the X factor?

Cheryl who is now married to the Chelsea football player Ashley Cole, was originally from a council estate in Newcastle Upon Tyne. One of five children, Cheryl was winner of many modelling competitions as a child. At the age of 9 Cheryl participated in the royal ballet summer school, and many years later took part in street dance lessons. Cheryl’s career as a successful band member began when competing in the television singing talent show, Popstars. Since then Cheryl has gone from one extreme to another, her latest achievement being her mentee’s success Alexandra Burk and her very own release of her latest debut album. Cheryl has been voted 2008’s sexiest woman in the world, and style icon of the year, and is the first of her band to leave high street fashion!

Along with the series of fortunate events Cole also encountered quiet a few unfortunate ones such as her 120 hours of community service along with a conviction of racial and common assault, despite the fact that her current husband was of a mixed origin? Cheryl then suffered a series of issues within her marriage, which were then exploited through the press.

Although one of the biggest icons of Britain at this point in time, and a singing judge for one of the biggest broadcasted talent shows in the UK, it has been up for debate whether Cheryl herself actually has the x factor, or any talent at all for that matter. I can’t say much for the talent however I can vouch for the fact that she has an internationally loved face and personality. But as far as her singing and dancing go, it has been recognised by much of the public now days as a typical media hype.

I myself, am quiet surprised at how well Cheryl has done as a mentow. Alexandra’s new single ‘bad boys’ has been in the charts for some time now. However it’s not reassuring when an X factor contestant sings an RnB track at an audiion (very well I must say) and then is told by Cheryl that she would ‘rather have seen you sing Bob Marley song’ because of the contestants hair style. Well, it’s not Cheryl’s fault she remains an X factor judge.

Now, despite Cheryl’s good and not so good sides, the solo artist has really made a name for herself internationally. Adding to the chav culture that Britain is becoming quiet notorious for. And regardless of the press, she has maintained keeping her marriage up and running! But is this our new female British icon? Is Cheryl setting standards for UK talent? And do we really want to be acknowledged for Britain’s chav culture! In my opinion, Cheryl’s one of many successful celebrities in the public eye, regardless of her talent, she has come a long way from a council estate to a business woman loved by many. However, I think it’s about time we acknowledge that media and raw talent are two different things, and with Britain’s growing amount of skilled hard working people, we have a lot more to offer!

Author: Kerri Braithwaite

Image: www.dailymail.co.uk