Alexandra Burke shot to fame as the 2008 winner of The X Factor. She became the first British female solo artist to have a million-selling single and went on to have a successful career as both a recording artist and a performer: her lead roles in the stage adaptations of The Bodyguard and Sister Act met with rave reviews.
But behind the public profile were private battles: her beloved mother was dying, she was subjected to racism in the music industry and her story was frequently misreported in the media. Alexandra joins me to talk about managing this difficult duality and what it taught her about her own strength and resilience. She tells me about never thinking she's good enough, learning how to set boundaries, losing herself in relationships, failing to put herself first and the grief of losing her mum. We also talk about how, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, she chose to speak out about the racism she endured and the impact this had on her.
I'm not sure I've ever connected with someone as instantly as I did with Alexandra! She's an amazing, vibrant, warm-hearted soul who understands that being open about her failures is actually the key to self-growth. This is one of the most emotional episodes I've ever recorded. I'm so grateful to Alex for the beautiful gift of her vulnerability. Listen to be moved (and perhaps have some tissues nearby).
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Failosophy: A Handbook for when Things Go Wrong is out now and available to buy here.
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How To Fail With Elizabeth Day is hosted by Elizabeth Day, produced by Naomi Mantin and Chris Sharp. We love hearing from you! To contact us, email howtofailpod@gmail.com
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Social Media:
Elizabeth Day @elizabday
How To Fail @howtofailpod
Alexandra Burke @alexandraburke
TWIXMAS BONUS EPISODE! How To Fail: Clemency Burton-Hill
How to Fail: A Christmas Message 2021
S12, BONUS EPISODE How to Fail: Holly Willoughby
S12, Ep8 How to Fail: Meg Mason
S12, Ep7 How to Fail: Lady Hale
S12, Ep6 How to Fail: Stanley Tucci
S12, Ep 5 How to Fail: Ruby Tandoh
S12, Ep3 How to Fail: Phil Wang
S12, Ep2 How to Fail: Jacqueline Wilson
BONUS EPISODE! How to Fail: Tanya Reynolds
S12, Ep1 How to Fail: Derren Brown
S11, BONUS EPISODE How to Fail: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
S11, Ep8 How to Fail: Maggie O'Farrell
BONUS EPISODE: HEERRREE'S DOLLY!
S11, Ep7 How to Fail: Martine Wright
S11, Ep6 How to Fail: Paris Lees
S11, Ep5 How to Fail: Christie Watson
S11, Ep4 How to Fail: Guvna B
S11, Ep3 How to Fail: Ed Miliband
S11, Ep2 How to Fail: Jessica Ennis-Hill
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