Rebecca Ferguson had to have her act censored as the former X factor runner-up, in Shanghai as part of a UK delegation to help push Britain’s creative industries into the Chinese markets, performed in front of Prince William this week. But the Liverpool singer’s repertoire was not decimated to spare the Duke of Cambridge’s blushes. Chinese authorities wanted to ensure her renditions didn’t include any lyrics which could be deemed offensive to local sensitivities.
All the words were translated in advance and submitted to a scrutinising committee, which banned any songs containing even the mildest sexual or religious connotations.
According to a spokesperson for the singer, the songs that fell foul included Billie Holliday’s God Bless The Child and Lover Man and jazz standard, I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.
“They told us they loved Blue Moon and Get Happy, and so she was happy to include those songs,” the spokesperson said.
Ferguson is scheduled to perform at a special one-off event hosted by MOBO and WOW Festival. She will be performing alongside pop star Ella Eyre as they take to the stage as “leading female champions of the music industry” at London’s Southbank Centre on March 6th.
The event celebrates Women Of The World and MOBO say that those who attend will “witness performances from women at the peak of their powers, demonstrating what it is to be a powerful and determined leading lady in today’s music industry”. Go to MOBO.com for tickets.
