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Elton John has hit out at TV talent shows such as X Factor, for the lack of preparation they give their contestants for life in the music world.
Talking to Graham Norton on his BBC chat show, Sir Elton claimed that the very quick route to fame means that budding pop stars don't have the mental fortitude to deal with the real world.
"Without the experience of playing live, you are just thrown to the wolves," he said. "Getting experience by being in a band and earning very little from what you love doing gives you the backbone, mettle and experience you will need later in life."
He added that he didn't have any issue with the contestants themselves, but the system that produces them and fails to nurture them, claiming: "I don't dislike the people on these shows but feel sorry for them, they win the show, make their record and the next year it's someone else."
Despite all the singer's negativity, there are still persistent rumours that he will appear on this year's show. The Sun have claimed "Sir Elton John will perform on The X Factor – despite once calling the show 'arse-paralysingly brain crippling'."
Below: Life after X Factor for Rylan - Club gigs and drag queens
