Little Mix staged a triumphant return to ‘The X Factor’ in Sunday night’s (16 October) results show, where they debuted their new single, ‘Shout Out To My Ex’.
The girl group gave their empowering new single its first ever performance on the stage that first brought them into the spotlight, with a fun and energetic appearance that reminded viewers why we’re still talking about them five years after their ‘X Factor’ stint.
In keeping with the message of the song - the lyrics of which discuss leaving a former relationship in the dust - the girls were surrounded by dancers wearing t-shirts with the names of “exes” crossed out in them (though the name ‘Zayn’ was noticeably absent).
Nodding to the group’s LGBT fanbase (they previously revealed their single ‘Secret Love Song’ was about a same-sex relationship), the all-female backing dancers had t-shirts with the names relating to both genders, which didn’t go unnoticed by viewers.
However, some particularly sensitive viewers took offence at the girls’ outfits, which were rather on the risqué side.
When various media outlets began reporting on the so-called outrage, fans were quick to defend the girls’ outfits, though, insisting they should be able to wear whatever they want.
‘Shout Out To My Ex’ previously raised eyebrows when excerpts of the song’s lyrics were leaked last week, particularly as they appeared to relate to Perrie Edwards’ much-publicised break-up with Zayn Malik.
When asked about this in an interview, Perrie admitted she’d not asked her ex for his approval before recording the song, with Jesy Nelson adding that she didn’t feel he “deserved” a heads up.
‘Shout Out To My Ex’, the lead single from the girls’ fourth album ‘Glory Days’, is available to download now.