X Factor star Ariel Burdett dies aged 38

Unforgettable X Factor hopeful Ariel Burdett has reportedly died at the age of 38.

The self-styled holistic vocal coach became widely known after her brief appearance on the UK edition went viral after it first aired in 2008.

News of Ariel’s passing was first reported by friends online, but the cause of her death—which took place earlier this month—is not yet known.

"It is with great sadness that I post this, as I have only just found out myself,” one pal revealed on Facebook.

"A some time member of the moot, Amy Burdett aka Arabella Starchild passed to the Summerlands earlier this month."

Unforgettable audition

During her memorable attempt trying out for the talent show—which has since racked up almost 50million views online—Ariel clashed with judges including Dannii Minogue and Simon Cowell.

Before belting out a genre-defying medley of songs, the musical hopeful put the judges off-side by declaring she is ‘not a number, but a human being’ and threw her identifying label towards the panel.

When Simon labelled the performance ‘a complete and utter nightmare’, Ariel launched a counterattack and told him ‘shove a bit of metal right up their a**’ before being escorted out by security.

However, after the audition was aired across the UK it went viral across the globe and soon became one of the entire series’ most memorable.

Fans’ tributes

Online, fans were quick to pay tribute to the musical hopeful and regularly referenced her famous audition in their posts.

"She was a generalist, not specialist, she was a human being, not a number,” wrote one viewer, in a direct quote from the star’s X-Factor experience.

“RIP Ariel Burdett, the iconic Holistic Vocal Coach who provided one of the most legendary moments on TV.”

"Really sad to hear about Ariel Burdett aka the Holistic Vocal Coach passing away,” wrote another.

"She brought so much joy to me and so many people, and will be remembered with absolute love by so many of us."

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