Strictly Come Dancing Controversy: La Voix’s Live Cher Performance Ignites Viewer Divide

In a bold move that has left the Strictly Come Dancing audience reeling, drag queen sensation La Voix delivered a live singing rendition of Cher’s iconic ‘Strong Enough’ during Saturday night’s episode, blending powerhouse vocals with intricate dance moves. The performance, which deviated from the show’s traditional dance-only format, has sparked a firestorm of viewer reactions, with social media platforms exploding in praise and criticism alike. As Strictly Come Dancing enters its twentieth series, this unexpected twist raises questions about the boundaries of entertainment on one of the BBC’s most beloved shows.

La Voix’s Audacious Cher Tribute Steals the Spotlight

The ballroom of Strictly Come Dancing was electric on October 14, 2023, as La Voix, the flamboyant drag artist known for her commanding stage presence, took to the floor with professional partner Kai Widdrington. Dressed in a glittering ensemble reminiscent of Cher’s signature style—complete with a voluminous wig, sequined gown, and dramatic feather boa—La Voix didn’t just dance; she sang live. Her version of ‘Strong Enough,’ the 1998 hit from Cher’s comeback album Believe, fused salsa rhythms with heartfelt belting, turning the routine into a full-fledged musical spectacle.

Judges were visibly stunned. Head judge Shirley Ballas praised the innovation, stating, “La Voix, you’ve brought a fresh energy to our dance floor that’s unlike anything we’ve seen. The live singing added such emotional depth—9 points!” Craig Revel Horwood, ever the purist, was more reserved: “Darling, the vocals were fierce, but let’s not forget this is Strictly Come Dancing, not The Voice. 7 from me.” The score totaled 34 out of 40, placing La Voix and Widdrington in the upper half of the leaderboard but far from a perfect score.

Behind the scenes, the preparation was grueling. La Voix, whose real name is Simon Webber, revealed in a pre-show interview that rehearsing the live element required balancing breath control with complex footwork. “Cher has always been my idol,” she said. “Singing her song live while dancing was terrifying but exhilarating. I wanted to honor her strength and show that drag queens can conquer any stage.” Widdrington echoed this, noting, “We’ve been choreographing around her voice for weeks. It’s a risk, but one that pays off in authenticity.”

This wasn’t La Voix’s first brush with fame. Rising to prominence on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2020, she captivated audiences with her operatic tones and unapologetic glamour. Joining Strictly Come Dancing as its first openly drag contestant, La Voix aimed to challenge norms. Her partnership with Widdrington, a fan favorite from previous seasons, promised fireworks, and this performance delivered them in spades.

The choice of ‘Strong Enough’ was no accident. The song’s lyrics about resilience and empowerment resonated with La Voix’s personal story of overcoming adversity in the drag world. As she hit the high notes during a daring lift, the audience erupted, but not without whispers of controversy brewing online.

Viewer Reactions Erupt: From Ecstatic Cheers to Furious Backlash

As the credits rolled on Strictly Come Dancing, viewer reactions flooded Twitter, Instagram, and the show’s official forums. Hashtags like #LaVoixStrongEnough and #StrictlySinging trended nationwide, amassing over 500,000 mentions within hours. A quick poll on the BBC’s Strictly app showed a stark divide: 52% of 10,000 respondents called it “a game-changer,” while 48% deemed it “a distraction from dancing.”

Supporters hailed the performance as a triumphant blend of talent. One viewer tweeted, “La Voix singing live while dancing? Iconic! Cher would be proud. This is why I love @StrictlyComeDancing—pushing boundaries!” Another, a long-time fan, posted on Reddit’s r/StrictlyComeDancing: “Finally, some variety! The live singing added soul to the routine. 10/10.” Drag enthusiasts and LGBTQ+ communities rallied behind her, with GLAAD UK commending the BBC for inclusive representation. “La Voix’s act celebrates diversity and artistry,” a spokesperson said.

Critics, however, were vocal about the deviation. Traditionalists argued that live singing undermined the core focus on dance. “This is Strictly Come Dancing, not a karaoke night,” fumed one BBC viewer on Facebook. “Pay the band to lip-sync like everyone else!” A petition on Change.org, titled “Keep Strictly About Dance,” garnered 2,500 signatures overnight, calling for a return to pre-recorded vocals. Some even accused the show of pandering to trends, with comments like, “La Voix is talented, but this felt forced. Stick to the format.”

Social media analytics from Brandwatch indicated a 30% spike in engagement for the episode, the highest since the 2022 finale. Negative sentiments peaked at 45% around the performance segment, but positive buzz drove overall viewership up by 1.2 million to 9.8 million—an impressive feat in an era of streaming competition. Viewer reactions highlighted generational divides: younger audiences (18-34) leaned positive at 65%, per YouGov data, while over-55s favored tradition at 70% disapproval.

La Voix addressed the backlash in an Instagram Live the next day: “Not everyone’s going to get it, and that’s okay. I sang from the heart, and if it divides, at least it’s sparking conversation.” Her resilience mirrored Cher’s own career, where bold choices often polarized but ultimately endured.

La Voix’s Strictly Journey: From Drag Star to Dance Floor Darling

La Voix’s path to Strictly Come Dancing has been anything but conventional. Hailing from Blackpool, Simon Webber adopted the La Voix persona in the mid-2000s, drawing inspiration from opera divas and pop legends like Cher. Her breakthrough came with RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, where she placed as a finalist, earning acclaim for lip-syncs that showcased her four-octave range. Post-show, she toured with sold-out drag brunches and released singles, including a cover of ‘Dancing Queen’ that charted on iTunes.

Joining Strictly in 2023 was a calculated leap. Producers sought to diversify the cast amid calls for more queer representation, following successes like Johannes Radebe’s same-sex pairings. La Voix was announced in August, generating 1.5 million Instagram impressions. Her pairing with Kai Widdrington, known for his Latin flair and partnership with AJ Odudu, was met with excitement. Early weeks saw solid scores: a 28 for their cha-cha to Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ and a 31 for a foxtrot inspired by drag balls.

Yet, challenges abounded. As a drag performer, La Voix navigated heels and holds differently than typical contestants. “The live singing idea evolved from week three rehearsals,” Widdrington shared in OK! Magazine. “We pitched it to producers, who loved the risk.” This built on precedents like Susan Boyle’s 2011 guest spot, but La Voix’s was contestant-led—a first.

Her backstory adds emotional layers. Growing up in a working-class family, Webber faced bullying for his flamboyance. Drag became his armor, and Strictly his proving ground. “I’m here to show that drag isn’t just lipsyncing—it’s performance art,” she told The Guardian. Off-stage, she’s an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, partnering with Stonewall UK.

Comparisons to past icons abound. Like John Barrowman’s campy energy in 2004 or Lulu’s vocal prowess in 2006, La Voix channels variety show vibes. But her live singing pushes further, echoing Dancing with the Stars‘ musical numbers in the US. With eight celebrities left after eliminations, her journey continues, bolstered by fan votes that surged 15% post-performance.

Live Singing’s History on Strictly: Innovation or Tradition Breaker?

Live singing on Strictly Come Dancing isn’t entirely new, but La Voix’s execution marks a pivotal moment. The show, launched in 2004, has evolved from strict ballroom to spectacle. Early seasons stuck to dances with pre-recorded tracks, but guests like Barry Manilow (2006) and Kylie Minogue (2011) introduced live elements. Contestants, however, rarely sang—exceptions include Anneka Rice’s 2010 jive with ad-libs and Joe McFadden’s 2017 quickstep humming.

Producers have flirted with vocals: Series 15’s ‘Strictly Musical’ week featured lip-syncs to show tunes, drawing 10.7 million viewers. La Voix’s choice, however, was unscripted and live, amplifying risks. Audio experts note the technical hurdles—mics must capture breathy dance moves without distortion. BBC sound engineers worked overtime, using wireless setups tested on The Voice.

Cultural context matters. In an age of TikTok mashups and The Masked Singer‘s hybrid formats, Strictly faces pressure to innovate. Ratings dipped 5% last series to 8.6 million, per BARB, prompting edgier content. La Voix’s act aligns with this, but purists invoke the show’s roots in Come Dancing (1960s), which prized technique over theatrics.

Experts weigh in. Dance critic Debra Stephenson told Metro, “Live singing humanizes performers but can overshadow choreography. La Voix balanced it well, scoring high on content.” Conversely, former pro Brendan Cole cautioned on This Morning, “It risks alienating core fans who tune in for lifts and spins, not serenades.” Data supports mixed impact: Similar innovations, like 2020’s group routines, boosted engagement by 20% but split reviews.

Globally, formats vary. Dancing with the Stars US incorporates singing more freely, as in Jordan Fisher’s 2017 win. UK viewers, per a 2023 Ipsos survey, value tradition (62%), yet 38% crave surprises—positioning La Voix as a litmus test.

Implications for Strictly’s Future: Will Viewer Divide Reshape the Show?

As Strictly Come Dancing barrels toward its Blackpool Week finale on November 18, La Voix’s performance lingers as a watershed. With her in the top six per betting odds from William Hill (5/1 to win), the controversy could propel her further—or hasten an exit if backlash mounts. Producers face a dilemma: Embrace more live singing for buzz, or revert to safe dances?

Broader trends suggest evolution. The BBC’s diversity push, including non-binary contestants and mental health segments, aligns with La Voix’s vibe. Yet, advertiser feedback is key—sponsors like Garnier praised the “empowering” angle, per Campaign Magazine. If ratings hold above 9 million, expect copycats; a dip could signal caution.

La Voix eyes longevity: “If this opens doors for other artists, it’s worth the hate.” Cher herself tweeted support: “Strong enough? Honey, you ARE strong enough! #Strictly.” Fan campaigns, like #KeepLaVoixSinging, push for encores, while critics lobby via Ofcom complaints (currently 150 filed).

Looking ahead, next week’s theme—’Eras’ night—could feature more vocals, testing the divide. For Strictly, this moment underscores its adaptability: From waltzes to woke, the show endures by balancing heart and hustle. Whether La Voix lifts the glitterball remains to be seen, but her voice has undeniably amplified the conversation.