Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has hit out at female singers who wear teeny outfits, saying it’s “unnecessary” for them to sexually objectify themselves.
Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph’s Stella magazine, Cheryl pointed out that the music industry is “dominated by men behind the scenes”.
“You shouldn’t have to… I mean, sexy and all that is great to an extent, but you shouldn’t have to sexualise yourself to be selling music,” she said.
“I’m sure some women are naturally like that. They objectify themselves because they want to be like that. Which is fine. No judgment at all. But sometimes it’s just unnecessary.”
Chezza added: “If you’re dressing sexy, there’s a way to do it. If you are going to be explicit with your lyrics, dress differently. It’s a bit much at the moment, I feel. And I get women who say, ‘Why should men objectify me? Why can’t I go naked?’ Yeah. Do whatever you want. I just feel some of it is insincere, which is a little bit sad.”
But she did try to justify wearing a bunch of skin-flashing outfits in her Girls Aloud days, saying it was “fun and quirky” instead of outrageously sexual.
“I would never do something I didn’t want to do, or get told that’s the ‘lane’ to be in at the moment. The lane. Everyone is competing in the same lane. F¬**k off, I’d rather be in my own lane.”
Meanwhile, there has been speculation that 31-year-old Cheryl and her new husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini are expecting a baby – rumours that Chez refused to either confirm or deny. Hmm…
Cheryl's style file - from Girls Aloud to Being Human
Cheryl Cole's style file
1 of 23Shirt crimes
Where it all begin. Back in 2002 Cheryl was just another badly dressed wannabe singing for her stardom on Popstars: The Rivals. And boy did she sing.
2 of 23How low can you go (answer: very)
In full party mode, Chezza opted for a scarf top cinched in with a belt and bootcut trews for a night on the town back in 2003. Yep, she's got belt chains. And what?
3 of 23The cold shoulder
It's hard to believe but this is actually an awards ceremony outfit. Yep, in 2005 an off-the-shoulder top and tiered skirt were all a pop star needed to wow on the pavement. As it's Cheryl, her dimples did save her some.
4 of 23Floral fantastic
For the Alien Autopsy premiere Cheryl went all MUM wearing a flowery satin dress and matching shawl
5 of 23DIY facelift
Who needs night cream when you can scrape your hair into a super tight high pony?
6 of 23Vesty
Following the breakdown of her marriage, Cheryl lost weight and looked teeny tiny. Here in 2008 she showed how small her frame had become when she stepped out in grey trews and a white vest, both of which appeared to drown the petite star
7 of 23Print-cess
We LOVED this fun and flirty skater dress! The bright yet chic colours looked fab against Chezza's tan while the flippy style showed off her toned legs
8 of 23On yer head!
It might have been December but Cheryl took the festive spirit a tad too far with her red leather jacket and fluffy headband
9 of 23Meow! Part 1
Well, helloooo mama! Chezza brought the WOW to the X Factor stage in a floor length black dress and with a cute bow hair 'do
10 of 23Meow! Part 2
One of our all time favourite Cheryl looks. The beautiful star looked gorge in her patterned frock and cat's ears on the X Factor
11 of 23OMG it's CC in VB
For the NTAs Cheryl stunned us all when she stepped out onto the red carpet wearoing a pale pink Victoria Beckham dress. We bet back in Baden-Baden neither of them thought THAT would ever happen
12 of 23Uh-oh
We couldn't put together a Cheryl style round-up without skipping over the p'orange pond. Take a look. Aaaand now we move on...
13 of 23The big yay or nay
Cheryl's Stephanie Rolland couture gown divided the heat office. Was her Cannes frock a bit too fashion or had Chezza hit the nail on the head?
14 of 23Cannes or can't?
Another Cannes look, this time one flashing a lot more flesh. Perhaps a little too much for the film festival crowd but there's no denying she looks pretty darn great
15 of 23Sparkly star
Another Cannes look, this time one flashing a lot more flesh. Perhaps a little too much for the film festival crowd but there's no denying she looks pretty darn great
16 of 23Hot suff
Date night with new fella Tre called for a sexy leather pencil skirt and co-ordinating top with comfy courts. An excellent romantic look
17 of 23Sling-ky mama
Cripes, this lady can even make a wrist injury look hot! Can we pretend we've got a poorly wrist to emulate Chezza's style? No?
18 of 23P-p-p-pick up a peplum!
Or two! For Guiseppe Zanotti's Fashion Night Out party Cheryl went OTT on the peplums and totally pulled them off
19 of 23Onesie
Cheryl isn't all about the natty frocks and OMG glamour gowns. The lady can also rock a onesie with panache. Especially when said onesie is a YSL number.
20 of 23Comeback kid
At the big announcement of her return to The X Factor Cheryl greeted paps wearing a chic Lela Rose LBD with bright heels and cool shades.
21 of 23Yeehaw!
Ooh how hot did Chezza look in her Kate Moss for Topshop fringed leather number at Kiss 100 radio? Smoking hot that's how.
22 of 23Mono magic
Looking like a black and white babe in a cropped Jil Sander top with a giant statement necklace at the London leg of The X Factor auditions this year.. Those Temperley London trews could've done with being shortened a tad, though...
23 of 23Tomato talent
The petite star wowed in this vibrant Stella McCartney two-piece, showing off her poker-straight locks.