HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Forget about Sting and Simon Cowell exchanging holiday cards this season.
The 58-year-old Police frontman recently slammed Cowell and the British version of American Idol — The X Factor — calling the show a disgrace to aspiring music artists.
"I am sorry but none of those kids are going to go anywhere, and I say that sadly," Sting told the London Evening Standard. "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."
Sting has attempted to keep an open mind when viewing the program, but says he remains cynical.
"Basically I was looking at televised karaoke where they conform to stereo-types," he says of the program, whose past stars have included Leona Lewis. "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."
Sting saved his most discouraging remarks for Cowell and his fellow team on the show.
"You have judges who have no recognizable talent apart from self-promotion, advising them what to wear and how to look. It is appalling," he says.
Cowell has since extended an invitation for Sting to appear on the show while also joking about the singer's mood on Sunday's The Xtra Factor.
"Someone has got a little bit grumpy," he said.
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