Talia Dean said ’I returned to my faith, New Years Eve 2023, when I had a clear message from God,’ and is now openly sharing what Jesus means to her on her social media. Jemimah Wright looks at why some of her fans are worried about it.
Talia Dean, The X Factor competitor is back in the news, but this time, because of her Christian faith. The Daily Mirror’s article last week on Dean was titled: ‘X Factor star sparks concern with new photo as fans worry she’s part of a ‘cult’.
In fact, she has simply returned to her Catholic faith.The 39 year old singer and mum from West London came to fame in 2017 when she competed in Series 14 of The X Factor as part of the Over 27s category. She was mentored by Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, and although eliminated at Judges’ Houses, Talia was chosen as the wildcard by the public. She was eliminated in Week 1 of the live shows, finishing in 15th place.
She then became the lead singer in the band, King’s Daughter. They reached number 12 in the charts in 2020 with a track called Get Up, produced by Queen guitarist, Brian May. She went solo in 2021 and released two singles both going straight to number one on the iTunes blues chart.
With a following of 101,000 on Instagram, some of her fans were surprised at her new confession of faith.
With a following of 101,000 on Instagram, some of her fans were surprised at her new confession of faith. She wrote: ‘I have now left the mainstream music industry to spread the message of the Lord…I now lead worship and take on many amazing projects in the name of Jesus. It fills my heart with light and love, more than I have ever felt.’
In March she posted a video of herself on Instagram visiting the oldest church in Surrey as part of her Alpha weekend, as well as another of her singing Amazing Grace inside the church in Cobham. Over Easter she posted about the meaning of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
The Daily Mirror quoted some of Talia’s fans writing ‘Have you been hacked?’ and ‘Oh, this is sad to hear you’ve left the mainstream music industry to do this. Each to their own with religion, but to put your passion and talent to one side to focus on this….I’m not sure Talia,’ followed by a crying emoji.
However, looking at her more recent posts about faith, the responses seem positive and encouraging.
Talia Dean is now a member of the Catholic Talent Agency, who ‘champion and promote creative and ministerial Catholic talent across the UK.’
On the site, Talia writes, ‘I returned back to my faith, New Years Eve 2023, when I had a clear message from God.
On the site, Talia writes, ‘I returned back to my faith, New Years Eve 2023, when I had a clear message from God. My testimony is strong and I am saved. I was recently confirmed back into the Catholic Church in May 2024, in the most beautiful ceremony. I am now a firm follower and servant of Jesus Christ.
‘It took a long time for me to find my way back to Christ after many years of being on the wrong path, consistently sinning and rebelling. I had found my way into the darkness for many years without realising I was even there.’
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‘I have started working on empowering music of Christian values, as I’ve decided to put my energy and passion into writing a Christian album. I now lead worship and take on many amazing projects in the name of Jesus - It fills my heart with light and love to spread the work of the Lord.’
Talia Dean is living life in the words of Paul in Romans 1:16 ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…’
The price may be ridicule and rejection by the mainstream media, but the rewards of proclaiming Jesus are eternal. Well done, Talia.
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