For the latest in our WISE WORDS interview series - where stars from a whole range of fields share the important life lessons they’ve learned along the way - we’re posing some of the big questions to HONEY G.
Three months ago, only her immediate North West London circle would have been able to name the controversial rapper. Her appearance on ‘X Factor’ changed all that - with her ear worm rap chants drawing as much criticism as praise. She confounded her doubters to make it all the way to the quarter-final, when she confirmed her place in pop history by experiencing her very own stage invasion.
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Honey G has secured a record deal after confounding the doubters on 'X Factor'
ITV
Honey G is seeing in the New Year with a record deal in her pocket, following the release of her debut single this Friday. With so many changes going on in her life, she tells HuffPostUK about the lessons she’s learned so far...
What do you do to switch off from the world? I love watching movies - I’m a huge fan of film and cinema. Exercise really chills me out too. I workout regularly, it’s a big part of my downtime. I also love skiing. And love French cuisine and wine.
How do you deal with negativity? I’m all about positive energy; I don’t want negative people in my space. I surround myself with positive people and focus on the good things in my life. I’m all about spreading love.
When and where are you at your happiest? When I’m performing on stage I feel alive, I feel like I’m at home up there. Getting a record deal, releasing a single and making a video has made me the happiest I’ve ever been.
What’s been the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? The global A&R at Syco once said to me that ‘nothing is impossible’. He’s proved how true that is and I’m so glad he gave me that advice because it made me even more focused on achieving my goals.
What’s been the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn? Coping with my grandma’s death was pretty hard. It was a really difficult time but everything I do is for her and to make her proud and I know she’s looking down on me now.
What would you like to tell your 13-year-old self? To follow your dreams and to not give up. Lots of people told me to give up on music and if I’d listened to them I wouldn’t be where I am now. I really want to encourage other people to follow their dreams.
What three things are at the top of your to-do list? Number 1 is to have a successful single; The Honey G Show is out on the 23December and I really hope people love it as much as I do. I’m really proud of it. 2. Make an album. 3. I’ve still got to buy some Christmas presents!
What do you think happens when we die? I really don’t know. I don’t like to read into things like that too much, I’d rather focus on living and making the most of the present.
When do you feel in the presence of something larger than ourselves? I’ve never had a strong opinion on that. I’m not an atheist but I don’t have any firm beliefs. I like to keep that question open.
What quality do you most treasure in relationships? Being beautiful on the inside. I want to be surrounded by positive, fun people that make me laugh and are kind and caring. Also flirting outrageously and always keeping the fire alive.
What keeps you grounded? I think I’m a naturally grounded person. I’m pretty good at keeping it real.
What was the most recent act of kindness you received? Whenever a fan comes up to me and says nice things. The fact that people picked up the phone and texted week after week to keep me on the show - that’s amazing.
Honey G’s debut single ’The Honey G Show’ is out on Friday 23 December.
X Factor's Most Controversial Exits
Lucie Jones (Series 6)(01 of08)
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There were accusations of a fix when Simon Cowell saved novelty act Jedward over Lucie Jones when they landed in the bottom two in 2009, despite his prior dislike of them.
His vote sent it to Deadlock, with the results of the public vote revealing Welsh singer Lucie had been eliminated. (credit:Rex)
Amelia Lily (Series 8)(02 of08)
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Amelia Lily was one of four contestants voted off in the very first week of live shows during the 2011 series, when a cruel twist meant each judge was forced to ditch one act each from their categories.
Viewers felt she was axed before her time, and voted for her to return to the competition when they were given a chance to choose a replacement for axed Frankie Cocozza, following his drugs scandal.
Amelia then went on to finish third in the competition overall, and egg was well and truly on Kelly Rowland's face. (credit:Rex)
Carolynne Poole (Series 9)(03 of08)
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Just think how different the showbiz world would be today if Rylan had been voted off in week one of the 2012 series of 'The X Factor'.
It was a real possibility when he landed in the bottom two alongside Carolynne Poole. Her elimination was particularly controversial as there were claims a producer had told Louis Walsh to send to the judges' vote to Deadlock.
The fact Louis had chosen to save Rylan also prompted fellow judge Gary Barlow to walk off the show in disgust. (credit:Rex)
Laura White (Series 5)(04 of08)
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'X Factor' fans were shocked when former favourite Laura was voted off the show during week five of the 2008 series.
It proved to be one of the greatest sing-offs ever when she went up against Ruth Lorenzo in the bottom two. But when the judges failed to agree on who to send home, it went to Deadlock and Laura was shown the door. (credit:Rex)
Maria Lawson (Series 2)(05 of08)
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Maria's departure was the first ever 'X Factor' exit that proved to be a real shocker. She was favourite ahead of eventual winner Shayne Ward to win, before she landed in the bottom two in week five of the 2005 series.
After going head-to-head with The Conway Sisters in the sing-off, Sharon was the only one to save Maria, as Simon backed his own act, and Louis voted to keep the Irish girlband, obviously. (credit:Rex)
Ella Henderson (Series 9)(06 of08)
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It was probably the biggest shock in 'X Factor' history when both James Arthur and Ella Henderson landed in the bottom two in week seven of the 2012 series.
After Tulisa and Louis voted to send home James, and Nicole and Gary voted to eliminate Ella, Deadlock was called, and it was revealed Ella would be leaving the competition, after receiving the fewest public votes.
James eventually went on to win the series, while coming sixth certainly didn't hamper Ella's future career, as she later signed with Simon Cowell's label. (credit:Rex)
Aiden Grimshaw (Series 7)(07 of08)
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Having been in the bottom two a grand total of three times before, Katie Waissel couldn't quite believe it when a Deadlock situation revealed she'd polled more votes than Aiden Grimshaw.
Years later, we still feel Aiden was sent home far too early. (credit:Rex)
Gamu (Series 7)(08 of08)
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Cheryl Cole (as she then was) went from national treasure to public enemy number one when she failed to pick Gamu as one of her final three girls in 2010.
Her decision proved particularly divisive as she'd put through Katie Waissel and Cher Lloyd who'd both messed up their Judges' Houses performances, while Gamu had aced hers.