Simon Cowell's 'The X Factor Is Killing Music,' Says Charlotte Church

Is Simon Cowell killing music? Welsh singer Charlotte Church says exactly that.

Cowell, the producer and judge on the British phenomenon talent show 'The X Factor' -- which he's bringing to the United States after nine years of starring as a judge on 'American Idol' -- is cheapening an art and promoting talentless singers, Church contests.

"The X Factor is killing music. That show doesn't have an interest in true craftsmanship or skill - it's all about your ass, and hopefully you can keep half a tune," Church told the British edition of Esquire Magazine (via the Express).

"I'd make a better judge than the others on that show because I know more about the technical side of singing than even Simon Cowell," Church continued. "But he wouldn't be able to control me, so he'd never have me on."

Church rose to prominence as a classical singer in Britain, turning to a pop career in 2005. She has sold more than 11 million records.

Even more famous names in Britain have also lashed out at the show -- Cowell's friend, Elton John, dismissed The X Factor as less than music.

"I'm not a fan of talent shows. I probably wouldn't have lasted if I'd gone on one. It's become boring . . . brain crippling. I like Simon Cowell but what he does is TV entertainment," he told a British radio show (via The Telegraph). "There have been some good acts but the only way to sustain a career is to pay your dues in small clubs."

Previously, he said he'd rather be mutilated by an alsatian than watch the show.

For more, click over to the Express.

Comments

[markee2011]

08:55 AM on 01/14/2011

Well its about time someone with real talent tells it like it is.I'm sick of all these reality type so called talent shows nothing but glorified kareoke.Nowadays its about what look you have at the time and being a poser nothing to do with actual talent.Simon Cowell even admits he does'nt even know the first thing about music and yet this wanka is given free reign to dictate what gets the media attention and what does'nt.These non singing no talent wannabees don't know a thing about paying dues and expect it to be handed to them on a plate.The thing thats messed up is the fact that great musicians like chick corea,aretha franklin,chaka khan ,if they were coming up now they would'nt even get a look in because of all theses posers getting the breaks.Yeah simon cowell is killing music just like the rest of his type.Real talent should rise up and take back control of the music industry and give the real talent the breaks it deserves instead of leaches like simon cowell feeding the garbage to a dumbed down public.

[wendy scott]

02:22 PM on 01/13/2011

Technology has ki//ed the music industry not Cowell. Pushing a button and getting music from a hand full of sources for 99cts or downloading for free has ruined music. Most bands cannot make a living unless they are traveling minstrels. Production values are down because producers and engineers cannot make a living anymore and cannot put as much time and effort into the final product. Anyone can be auto_tuned and they can splice tracks together like Frankenstein's_monster.

[Daws]

01:57 PM on 01/13/2011

I used to be a huge fan of American Idol but then it started getting boring. I don't think those talent shows are ruining music simply because most of the top contestants aren't successful afterwards. Nobody is buying their horrible music. They're not making an impact.

[mdlawyer2]

01:25 PM on 01/13/2011

It's television, for goodness sake. It's not about technical proficiency, it's about what sells. Opera singers may be amongst the most technically adept singers, but the general public only wants what it likes. That's why GaGa outsells La Boheme, and why X Factor has marginal talent with nice packaging instead of Juilliard grads.

[casperov]

12:45 PM on 01/13/2011

the pot calls the kettle.

[needlefingers]

12:21 PM on 01/13/2011

Elton is right. It's not about playing to one man (Simon). It's about fine tuning yourself and an audience that follows you.

[bradenton]

11:44 AM on 01/13/2011

Cowell is as hip and musically aware as Tiny Tim. Go back to wherever, Dude.

[Richard Clifford]

10:57 AM on 01/13/2011

Well, for once, Charlotte Church is saying something positive.

[zest]

10:31 AM on 01/13/2011

The program is not about the promotion of the art of singing, it is about keeping the commercials from running into each other; it's called show "business".

[plzchuteme]

09:59 AM on 01/13/2011

If we, as a country, can block the import of toxic and/or unsafe products, why can't we block Simon Cowles from importing yet another one of his shows?

[Courtenay Jones]

03:45 AM on 01/13/2011

AMEN SISTA CHURCH.

[okakura]

11:04 PM on 01/12/2011

I always thought that American Idol was little more than an elaborate karaoke contest. A great many singers can sing a few a capella bars in tune and cover another artist's songs.

I'd rather watch a show featuring aspiring singer/songwriters. I'd rather watch the next (potential) Billy Joel or Paul Simon over Clay Aiken or Fantasia Barrino.

[Adrian31]

09:43 PM on 01/12/2011

"There have been some good acts but the only way to sustain a career is to pay your dues in small clubs."

Tell that to Carrie Underwood, haha!

[Catfish1968]

05:27 AM on 01/13/2011

I'd like to see what her publishing contracts look like.

[jaslyn]

09:34 PM on 01/12/2011

Simon's 15 minutes are soo over; him and his sarcasm and bad temper. What talent exactly does HE have?

[Mondayboy]

09:13 PM on 01/12/2011

Charlotte, you are a genius. I think he is killing music.