Judi Love of Loose Women fame has expressed her dissatisfaction with Cheryl Tweedy’s controversial R&B podcast, claiming that there is a “pattern” of Black artists being ignored.
The 38-year-old singer is the new host for BBC Sounds radio show called ‘You, Me & R&B,’ where she plays a prepared playlist of her favorite R&B tracks.
It was quickly panned, with many claiming that because Cheryl is predominantly a pop star, the show should have been hosted by a Black R&B musician.
In her newest OK! Magazine column, comedian Judi observed the response, as well as the irony that Cheryl has yet to release an R&B single.
Judi wrote: “There are so many artists out there who are in R&B and the problem in situations like this is when the originators of something are never made the face of that particular music, fashion, food or concept – it’s frustrating.
“Could this be a reflection of not having enough black R&B artists being recognised in the UK?”
Judi also recalled singing contests in the past, where individuals with a “soulful voice” would be rejected early on for apparently sounding “too churchy,” only for non-Black persons with similar vocals to move ahead.
“There seems to be a pattern of Black culture only being deemed cool after it has been appropriated,” she said.
Judi is only another addition to the dozens of celebrities and musicians who have spoken out against the decision to have Cheryl host the radio show. See below for some Twitter reactions amid the backlash.
Cheryl Cole is an example of white privilege. You beat up a Black woman,get arrested,found guilty & fined for the assault, spend your musical career not making r&b music but get to host a BBC show on the subject when we could all name several Black British artists more qualified. https://t.co/GpOMbTU8e0
— Marlon Kameka (@MarlonKameka) August 31, 2021
But she was in one of the biggest pop bands in the UK and has predominantly made pop music…this is a bit confusing… https://t.co/GveKQnc5rU
— D • L 🍸 (@DeeLydiah) August 31, 2021
Really disappointed in @BBCSounds in an age where we are calling for more people of colour you choose an out dated pop star to present this show and not someone who lives and breathes this music, r&b is so embedded in black music and you chose Cheryl ?!?!
— Nikkita Beghi (@nikkitabeghi) August 31, 2021
There are many other people who have a strong lassion for RnB and have supported RnB artists that would have been better suited for this. Last time I checked, Trevor Nelson is still alive and breathing
I blame Will I Am for this 😭 https://t.co/Z4LO2vBBiv
— Where Is Kier Starmer? (@leizenomis) August 31, 2021
This would have been an amazing opportunity for Beverly Knight, Estelle, Keisha White, Shola Ama, Jamelia. I would have even preferred Alesha Dixson or Ms Dynamite. Heck Lisa Maffia would have been a better fit than Cheryl. How disappointing. https://t.co/dGSqAw5grP
— Ashleigh Louise (@axhleighlouise) August 31, 2021
With all that said, what are your views on Cheryl Tweedy’s new role as host for the R&B Radio podcast?
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