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The X Factor might seem like the opportunity musical hopefuls up and down the country are desperate for, but Emeli Sande has urged young singers not to enter the TV talent show.
The singer says the competition isn't the ideal way for hopefuls to enter the music industry and that the show knocks people's confidence and doesn't develop their creativity.
"I find it quite depressing. I find it sad that four people are judging these people and really knocking their confidence," the Daily Star quotes her as saying.
"I don't think I would have considered appearing on The X Factor. I would have been able to sing but I don't like the fact that nobody creates on the show. Writing needs to be encouraged."
But she admitted that the show must be tempting to people trying to find a way into an industry that's notoriously hard to break.
"Finding an entry into the business isn't easy so I understand why people do it. You can tell when people want to be musicians or want to be famous.
"The kids who need music in their lives should just focus on their craft," she added.
She also stressed the importance of patience and said that pressure is put on young performers to rush into the industry.
"I'd say don't be in a rush. The pressure on kids is for it to happen right now, but your talent will always be there."
Sande is currently working on her second studio album
The award-winning singer is currently working on the follow-up to her smash hit debut Our Version Of Events and has also recorded songs for the soundtracks to Danny Boyle's Trance and Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby.
Below: X Factor - from the early days to a bubble ready to burts
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