Paul Weller takes swipe at Simon Cowell, 'The X Factor'

Published Apr 10 2012, 15:32 BST  |  By Alex Fletcher

Paul Weller has claimed that he would be embarrassed if he ever got involved in a TV talent show and mocked "edgy" contestants on Simon Cowell's X Factor.

The former Jam and Style Council singer spoke to the Radio Times about his dislike for shows such as The X Factor and The Voice UK.



"I'd be too embarrassed to be on those shows. You get some of these kids who think they're a little bit 'edgy', got a bit of a Pete Doherty haircut," said Weller. "You're not edgy, really, mate. Otherwise you wouldn't be on an effing talent show, would you?

"Would I be a judge? Would I hell."

Speaking about whether Cowell deserved credit for the record-breaking US success of boyband One Direction, he added: "Dunno, 'cause I've never heard 'em. I do know what you're talking about. But I wouldn't give him anything, personally."

TV presenter and musician Jools Holland agreed with Weller, claiming that X Factor was a "competition" and not art.

"Budding artists need a break, I suppose. But music's not like a competition. It's an art form," he said. "I wouldn't knock the competition shows if that's what people want to do.

"But there's a difference between having it like a gameshow and having it as something that connects with your spirit and moves you... that's what music's supposed to be about."

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