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Elton John Slams Reality TV Shows

BBG News

Sir Elton John reaffirmed his disdain for programs similar to ‘The X Factor,’ emphasizing the significance of fostering upcoming musicians.

Known for his exceptional talent in music, this 78-year-old artist once stated that achieving stardom through competitive TV shows could be “the most detrimental outcome” for a career in the music business.

During a conversation with Capital Breakfast on Thursday, Elton expressed his view that The X Factor thrusts individuals into the limelight before they’ve had sufficient preparation.

Elton expressed his joy when Lola Young achieved success with her song “Messy” the previous year, sharing this sentiment with hosts Jordan North, Chris Stark, and Sian Welby.

Initially, they had a tough time achieving success, especially between him and his bandmate Bernie Taupin, but eventually, they managed to break through.

He shared that Bernie and he faced many challenges and setbacks for quite some time before achieving success. They experienced four years filled with disappointments, close calls, and numerous instances where they came very close to success but ultimately fell short.

In our encounter, we were well-prepared. Consequently, all those years of experiencing setbacks fortified you with the resilience needed to achieve success.

Chis added: ‘It’s okay to be disappointed, it doesn’t need to be perfect the first time.’

Elton went on to say, “That’s why I dislike talent shows such as X Factor and similar ones, because the participants often aren’t prepared for a career in the industry.

You know, they appear on television, but it seems challenging for them when it comes to live performances. I prefer if they performed at gigs instead, where they can interact with a smaller audience of around 20-30 people.

‘I mean Ed Sheeran playing in living rooms and James Blunt and people like that.’

It comes after Elton stressed how important it is to play live for musicians.

Additionally, he acknowledged that even when playing music in Musicology, there were times when they performed for very small groups of people. Yet, regardless of the size of the audience, these occasions always aided him in his development.

Reflecting on past experiences, I found that they significantly fortified me for my journey to becoming Elton John. Having the resilience and determination was crucial.

‘The spine of your career is crucial, as it’s disastrous when you encounter situations such as X Factor and sudden TV stardom, which often lack the practical experience of live performance.’

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but echo Elton’s sentiments: “Standing on that stage, I crumble under the pressure – there’s nothing more disheartening. American Idol, oh boy, it’s a tough nut to crack! Dare to take chances, pick up your guitar, and let the music flow in a local pub.

Although he’s not particularly fond of talent shows featuring music, Elton made an exception by appearing on The X Factor in 2013, teaming up with judge Gary Barlow for a duet performance.

However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time he has expressed negative sentiments towards the ITV show, as he is known for openly sharing his opinions on such matters.

Reflecting back on 2010, I shared my sentiments with Radio Times magazine: “I’m not drawn to talent shows. In all honesty, I doubt I would have made the cut if I had ever participated. I was invited to judge American Idol, but I had to decline because I can’t bring myself to criticize or disappoint others.

Additionally, I have no interest in appearing on television. Watching it has become monotonous and mind-numbingly dull. While I admire Simon Cowell, his work falls under the category of television entertainment.

There have been instances of commendable actions, but maintaining a long-term career often requires paying one’s way by performing in less glamorous venues, such as smaller clubs.

He mentioned that at the age of seventeen, he was part of a band, later teamed up with Bernie Taupin as a songwriter. However, it wasn’t until we had endured six years of tough work and disappointments, along with some fantastic moments, that we found success. He emphasized that his experiences were something you couldn’t purchase.

Elton went on to say, “Television propels you to stardom, but then you need to deliver, which is tough. Singers like Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke rely heavily on their next hit song.

As a lifestyle expert, I must admit that Susan Boyle truly captivated us all with her enchanting presence and powerful voice. However, from my perspective, I have concerns about whether she fully grasps the demanding nature of show business.

Tune into Capital Breakfast featuring Jordan North, Chris Stark, and Sian Welby daily between 6:00 am and 10:00 am on radio stations nationwide, or stream it via the Global Player, the Capital app’s official platform.

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2025-04-03 19:35

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