Ariel Burdett death: X Factor contestant dies from stab wound to neck

Aspiring singer’s memorable audition ended in a tirade against the judges

X Factor contestant Ariel Burdett was found dead with a stab wound to her neck, an inquest has heard.

The body of the aspiring singer – who appeared in the audition stages of the ITV series in 2008 – is said to have been discovered at her home in Leeds on 12 November.

Employees of Burdett’s landlord had attempted to make contact with her more than a week before her death but received no answer.

After several more unsuccessful attempts, the landlord hired a locksmith to force entry into the house, where Burdett was found in bed with blood on the carpet nearby.

Paramedics were called and pathologist Dr Lisa Barker later concluded that the cause of death was an incision wound to the neck.

Burdett’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

An audition of Ariel Burdett – real name Amy Burdett – in 2008 went viral after it ended in a tirade against Girls Aloud star and former judge, Cheryl.

She told judges – including Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh – that she was a “human being, not a number” after ripping off her label featuring her audition number and throwing it on the floor.

Burdett, whose audition is considered one of the show’s most memorable, was declined by the judges, which caused her to call Cheryl “stupid”.

She also told the judges to “shove a bit of metal right up their a***”.

Tributes have poured in for Burdett on social media, with one writing: “I can’t believe that she died... rest in peace, Ariel Burdett.”

Another said: “[Ariel] never got past the first audition, but she’s been remembered and talked about more than the majority of the acts that have made it to X Factor live shows.”

If you are in need of mental health support, you can contact the free 24/7 Samaritans helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.