Sunday, 17 September 2006

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Elton John kicks off about X-Factor

Star says his heart bleeds for Michelle McManus

Elton John has slated TV talent shows like the X Factor.

Despite counting Judges Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell among his friends, the star was horrified to hear he'd been lined up to appear on the show.

And although he has nothing against contestants, he doesn't like the way they're treated.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Elton, 59, says: 'They're given an awful sense of stardom and pressure straight away but they're only successful until the next series.

'Look at Michelle McManus. My heart bleeds for her. She won Pop Idol, she's a really good singer and now she's forgotten.'

And although he thinks Will Young is great, Elton claims it's no way to find talent. He explains: 'I want to hear new songwriters, people who are creating their own stuff, not just singing my songs every week.'