More about: Sam Smith

Sam Smith has slammed The X Factor as being 'damaging for songwriters', despite appearing as a performer of the show's season finale. 

Speaking to The Mirror, The In The Lonely Hour chart-topper said that while the format may not be the best launch-pad for creative artists, it was fine for those who just wanted to sing.

"It was a very conscious decision for me not to audition," said Smith. "It is for people, and it isn't for people.

"I feel that X Factor is perfect for singers who sing, and that's all they want to do. They don't care what they sing, they just love singing..."

He went on: "The minute I started writing music, I knew that none of that stuff was going to be for me. I want people judging me on my voice and my songs - that's what's important to me.  I always say to people: 'If you're a singer, go for it.' It's an amazing platform. But if you're not, and you're a songwriter, I think it's actually quite damaging for you to go on there."

Smith added: "You're singing other people's music, so then when you release your own stuff, people might not like it."

 Watch Sam Smith tell Gigwise about his personal life and album below

Not only that, but Smith says that he didn't even get to meet the judges when he appeared on the show.

"I didn't like that I didn't get to meet Simon and Cheryl," said Smith. "I would have thought they would come and say hello, or I'd have got to go and say hello. But I never got to see them."

Meanwhile, Smith will be returning to the UK for a full tour in March 2015. Buy tickets safely and securely using Seatwave here. 

March 2015
16 Glasgow, O2 Academy
17 Glasgow, O2 Academy
19 Manchester, O2 Apollo
20 Manchester, O2 ApollO
22 Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
23 Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
25 London, O2 Academy Brixton
26 London, O2 Academy Brixton
27 London, O2 Academy Brixton

More about: Sam Smith