According to reports, Cheryl Cole is thought to be considering having elocution lessons because she wants to crack America, and Simon Cowell apparently told her that US audiences might not be able to understand what she is saying. However, a professor of English language at Sheffield University has said she could damage her appeal at home by doing so.
Joan Beal is quoted as saying: "If she is seen to be changing her accent for commercial reasons, this could damage her image here... In the UK, the Geordie accent is viewed very positively and studies of reactions to accents consistently show that it is considered friendly, honest and generally attractive. There are lots of voice coaches who claim to be able to soften regional accents, and I'm sure Cheryl would have access to reputable ones who've worked successfully with actors. But does she want to be seen as putting on an act?"