12 November 2009
Newsdesk
STING has criticised the X Factor for being "a soap opera which has nothing to do with music".
And the singer said judges like Simon Cowell have "no recognisable talent apart from self-promotion".
Speaking to the Evening Standard, the former Police frontman said the ITV talent show was nothing more than "televised karaoke" and a "preposterous talent show" which has "put music back decades".
He said: "I am sorry but none of those kids are going to go anywhere, and I say that sadly.
"The X Factor is a preposterous show and you have judges who have no recognisable talent apart from self-promotion, advising them what to wear and how to look. It is appalling."
He said most of the contestants were left "humiliated when they get sent off" and added: "How appalling for a young person to feel that rejection. It is a soap opera which has nothing to do with music.
"The real shop floor for musical talent is pubs and clubs, that is where the original work is. But they are being closed down on a daily basis. It is impossible to put an act on in a pub. It has become too expensive through excessive regulations.
"The music industry has been hugely important to England, bringing in millions. If anyone thinks the X Factor is going to do that, they are wrong."
