London, Nov 12 (IANS) Musician-actor Sting has hit out at TV talent contests, accusing programmes such as “American Idol” of “humiliating” contestants and degrading the music industry.
The 58-year-old insists the shows, including Britain’s “The X Factor”, are filled with talentless wannabees who are exploited by TV bosses in a bid to boost ratings, reports contactmusic.com.

Sting is adamant the performances are no better than “televised karaoke” and have nothing to do with discovering real talent.

“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. 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,’ he said.

“I was looking at televised karaoke where they conform to stereotypes. They are either Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston or Boyzone and are not encouraged to create any real unique signature or fingerprint. That cannot come from TV,” he added.

The former The Police frontman reserved his worst criticism for music mogul Simon Cowell’s “The X Factor”.

“‘The X Factor’ is a preposterous show and you have judges who have no recognisable talent apart from self-promotion, advising them what to wear and how to look. It is appalling,” he said.

“The music industry has been hugely important to England, bringing in millions. If anyone thinks ‘The X Factor’ is going to do that, they are wrong,” he added.