I Prayed As Dad Attacked Mum

From stacking shelves in ASDA to becoming a global singing sensation, Jahméne Douglas hit the headlines on the X Factor a few years ago, but behind all of his success is a strong Christian faith. Peter Wooding found out more about him and the night he’ll never forget

- Peter Wooding

Finding fame and enjoying all of its trappings could be enough to make some people neglect their faith or fall into the trap of believing they have all they could ever need. But pop star and X Factor runner-up Jahméne Douglas wouldn’t agree.

Despite an abusive upbringing and becoming a star following his time on the TV talent show, Jahméne says his Christian faith is as deep as it’s ever been and gives him strength in difficult times.

In 2012, the former ASDA shelf stacker stole the nation’s hearts with his nervous and shy nature but incredible singing voice. He was narrowly beaten by James Arthur in the final.

Although not experiencing victory, his debut album ‘Love Never Fails’ reached number one in the UK charts the following year, which even featured Stevie Wonder on one of the tracks.

Recently Jahméne launched his second album, Unfathomable Phantasmagoria. Jahméne constantly remains the subject of media attention about his private life. He says God helps him through all the challenges being in the spotlight entails.

“The struggle is fighting off the devil when you have too much time to think,” he says. “He sees that I’m being blessed and that my passion has aligned with my purpose, so the attacks have increased.

“Being in the public eye has never been a problem for me because I’m not consumed by it. I’m just a visitor to it. God keeps me level by being in my conscience 24/7.”