Noel Gallagher: 16 Is Too Young For The X Factor - Particularly Girls

Noel Gallagher has said sixteen is too young for a contestant on The X Factor – particularly if they are a girl.

His comment follows controversy over the dismissal of 16-year-old Amelia Lily on last weekend's edition of the TV talent show.

Earlier this month, judge Gary Barlow also expressed concerns about the minimum age limit after one hopeful failed to impress him during the judges' houses stage.

Appearing on the Absolute Radio Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show, Gallagher said he was a big fan of the show, but that it was difficult to watch “kids crying”.

Talking about Lily's exit, the former Oasis guitarist said: “When they say things like 'Oh, you're great but you're too young',well don't put her through in the first place then, do you know what I mean?”

Asked if there should be an age limit, Gallagher replied:  “Well I think it should be at least 18, because what would happen, conceivably, if the public voted a 16 year old into pop stardom?  I mean, you know...

“I'd feel offended, it took me till 27 to land this famous, you know what I mean, it's bang out of order.

“It's difficult enough to deal with… Particularly for a girl, do you know what I mean?  I can't imagine being 16.”

He added that it was more difficult for girls because “guys are ordinarily in groups or have come out of groups, and girls tend not to be in groups because they bitch a lot, you know”.

The X Factor continues this weekend.

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