Britney Spears, Lady Gaga ‘X Factor’ Routines Investigated For Possible Breach Of Taste Regulations [Video]

Footage of a Britney Spears impersonator and an X Factor contestant singing a Lady Gaga song could have landed the UK version of the show in hot water.

Broadcaster ITV is facing an investigation by British media regulator Ofcom for potentially breaching broadcasting rules concerning taste and decency.

Britney Spears tribute artist Lorna Bliss appeared on the September 9 edition of The X Factor, where she performed Britney Spears’ “Till the World Ends.” Wearing a body stocking combined with a thong and bra, Bliss proceeded to gyrate and thrust her way through her performance (while singing abysmally), climbing into judge Louis Walsh’s lap and chasing fellow judge Gary Barlow.

The explicit performance, which aired before the UK’s 9pm watershed, triggered 34 complaints to Ofcom.

The media regulatory body has also opened an investigation into a widely criticized rendition of Lady Gaga’s hit “The Edge of Glory” by The X Factor contestant Alison Brunton.

On the face of it, Brunton’s performance (embedded below) was typical of the show’s cruel streak, where a delusional hopeful is ritually humiliated. Yet complainants to Ofcom were more concerned with the plight of Brunton’s two teenage children, who were shown looking embarrassed and somewhat horrified as they watched their mother in the show.

In total, Ofcom received 35 complaints about the potential impact of the audition on Brunton’s children, with many viewers concerned that her 14-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son could be subjected to bullying.

According to section 1 of the Ofcom broadcasting code, ITV has a responsibility to take “due care of the physical and emotional welfare and dignity of people under 18 who take part or are otherwise involved in programs.”

Both routines make for uncomfortable viewing for very different reasons. You can see both below. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.