Elton John: 'American Idol' Is Boring, Brain Crippling

By PopEater Staff Posted Oct 19th 2010 07:19AM

Elton John's career has spanned decades, but he insists his longevity came from paying his dues and working his way to the top -- unlike the one-hit wonders found on 'American Idol' or 'X-Factor.' John, 63, believes fame will be fleeting for these reality show winners and contestants.

"I'm not a fan of talent shows. I probably wouldn't have lasted if I'd gone on one. I was asked to judge 'American Idol.' I couldn't do it because I won't slag anyone off," he told UK's Daily Mail.

"There have been some good acts, but the only way to sustain a career is to pay your dues in small, s**t clubs."

"I don't want to be on television. It's become boring, paralyzingly brain crippling. I like Simon Cowell, but what he does is TV entertainment," John added.

John goes on to explain that the industry only has a handful of talented artists, and that reality TV singers don't really have a chance to come close to their greatness.

"Lily Allen is incredibly talented and can do anything she wants – act, sing, write. I'm also a huge fan of Lady Gaga. And I adore Amy Winehouse," he said.

"It's important they write their own songs, so they're not at the mercy of anyone. Songwriters today are pretty awful, which is why everything sounds the same. Contemporary pop isn't very inspiring."

Tags: American Idol, elton john

Comments

(11)

Tuesday 19 October

By LARRY

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Take a hike !

By Apostate

With a few notable exceptions-Chris Daughtry,Kelly Clarkson,Carrie Underwood
and,to a lesser extent,Jordin Sparks-Reginald Dwight is absolutely right!

By BTDT

Amy Winehouse? Really Elton?

By melody Kramer

I agree, except for Adam Lambert, who has paid his dues and sung in small clubs,been in musicals,been in a band and worked his butt off for well over ten years . I think Adam is deserving of high praise for his exceptional voice,his incredible stage presence and wonderful charisma.

I'm actually shocked that Elton John omitted this great singer.

By Delise

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The producers and network don't know when to give up their "money mill". They continue beating this dead horse season after season. It's time to walk away.

By Donna

Elton does tell it like it is.

By holly

Elton John is a talented man. But I think it goes without saying that he, and every other singer from his era, would have been the first in line if American Idol had been around back in the day. It's easy to say that it's boring and brain crippling from where he's sitting now, but he would have been all about it back when he was hungry.

By Don

Elton is a pretentious boob.

I agree Holly.Everyone if given the chance would take the short cut of AI or playing in sh**y bars.They're lying if they say otherwise.
They need to get over Idol.It's brought us some amazing talent.Lots and lots of awfulness sure but some amazing talent.Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry all rock!!

By Branch Isole

Amen.

By TurnOffTheBoobTube

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Sir Elton is right. Any performer (singer, actor, dancer, musician) has to pay his or her dues - training with a teacher/mentor you can trust (and isn't going to coddle you or rip you off), practicing, studying, listening, writing, traveling, auditioning and taking your lumps and rejections as you go. It takes more than the desire to be a "star" or playing make-believe in front of a bedroom mirror to make it in this biz. There are plenty of talented, hard-working, deserving folks who toiled at their craft for years, went through all these steps and more, and never made it.

By tuffpaw

This is why I love Elton.

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