Sting Slams Simon Cowell's 'X Factor': 'It Has Put Music Back Decades'

Access Hollywood - November 16, 2009 8:00 PM PST
Story photo: Sting Slams Simon Cowell's 'X Factor': 'It Has Put Music Back Decades'Sting, Simon Cowell Getty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LONDON, England, U.K. -- Sting may be a multi-millionaire rocker, but he doesn't think the world's next musical superstars can be found on British television.

Sting slammed Simon Cowell's British reality singing competition, "X Factor," in a recent interview with London's Evening Standard.

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"I am sorry but none of those kids are going to go anywhere, and I say that sadly. They are humiliated when they get sent off," the rocker ranted. "How appalling for a young person to feel that rejection. It is a soap opera which has nothing to do with music. In fact, it has put music back decades. Television is very cynical."

Sting told the paper the show (which has actually produced an international sensation - Leona Lewis - whose debut album "Spirit" received three Grammy nominations), just looks for people that are like established artists.

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"I tried to keep an open mind, but basically I was looking at televised karaoke where they conform to stereotypes. They are either Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston or [Irish boy band] Boyzone and are not encouraged to create any real unique signature or fingerprint. That cannot come from TV," he said. "The 'X Factor' is a preposterous show and you have judges who have no recognizable talent apart from self-promotion, advising them what to wear and how to look. It is appalling."

And on Saturday, Simon himself defended his program, which is rumored to be heading stateside in the coming years.

"Talking about these contestants being a bunch of karaoke no-hopers ... I thought it was pompous," he said, before inviting Sting to come on the show as a mentor," Simon said, according to People.

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He also extended an invitation for the British rocker to come on the show, but said on Sunday, "He hasn't called yet. We're waiting."

Beyond Sting, however, "X Factor" made headlines for another reason over the weekend. While twins John & Edward were performing their mix of "Under Pressure" and "Ice Ice Baby," electronic rocker Calvin Harris made a stage invasion wearing a fruit... Quite literally.

Calvin, who was there as part of an "X Factor" follow-up show, was booted out for his move, but Tweeted about being tossed.

"Was just thrown out of x factor for jumping onstage during Jedward with a pineapple on my head," he wrote (Jedward is the nickname of the twin contestants).

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MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Simon Cowell - Reality TV - Leona Lewis - Music - Mariah Carey

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  • Paul
    If anyone knows about music talent it is Sting, Simon Cowell knows nothing in comparison and produces reality music trash for TV!
    report abuseposted January 23, 2010 3:41 AM PST
  • Stellamojo
    Any idiot who says "sting's music sucks," is obviously tone deaf.
    report abuseposted November 29, 2009 6:13 PM PST
  • sabrees
    Sting music sucks!!! He sounds like a walrus leading a rockband, lol, lol
    report abuseposted November 28, 2009 9:07 PM PST
  • sabrees
    Sting go somewhere and sit down !!!! You are jealous because you did not think of this show and Simon did !!! Stop being a player hater, Love you Simon!!!
    report abuseposted November 28, 2009 9:06 PM PST
  • jobena
    Simon it's a shame with all your money you can't get your ears fixed. You don't know a damm thing about music or talent, leave the music to the people who know it best.
    report abuseposted November 28, 2009 2:12 PM PST
  • __A_YAHOO_USER__
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    report abuseposted November 28, 2009 5:12 AM PST
  • Melody
    Bravo Sting! Well said! And yes, Sting not only can sing... he has a unique voice and style that is easily distinguishable from others... and that, people, is what it's about... Not a bunch of wannabes trying to sound like someone else... It's creative musicians that live and breathe the music, and are not looking for a quickie career from a talent show.
    report abuseposted November 28, 2009 4:23 AM PST
  • Gloria P
    If you call it garbage, then why watch it? Climb off your high horse.
    report abuseposted November 27, 2009 7:10 PM PST
  • Gloria P
    And Sting can sing? Oh please...talk about a pompous twit. He makes Bono look humble.
    report abuseposted November 27, 2009 7:09 PM PST
  • Amen to that. C0well and his type are more interested in piling up money for themselves than they ever were about music. Reality tv: garbage in, garbage out.
    report abuseposted November 16, 2009 9:57 PM PST
comments 1-10 of 20  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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