Elton John: My fears for X Factor 'products'

Rock legend Sir Elton John said he was concerned about the "psychological damage" done to the acts on the X Factor.

The singer said the show treated people like "products" and he was worried about the long-term prospects of stars like Alexandra Burke.

He said Burke, who won the ITV1 talent show in 2008, was "genuinely talented" but should be encouraged to learn her trade playing live.

He told Christian O'Connell on his Absolute Radio Breakfast Show: "What's the psychological damage going to be when you've humped and dumped them, and the next one comes along?

"They're a bit like products, to be honest with you. They're products, and the record comes out at Christmas, and it's always number one, and then what happens next year? Why aren't they touring? Who's managing these people? Why aren't you building their career properly? That's what worries me.

"You know, I don't hate the X Factor. I hate what happens to people's careers, because it's not thought about properly.

"I would never go on the X Factor or Pop Idol and judge somebody, because I couldn't do that. I couldn't judge another, it's hard enough to be an act anyway.

"It's hard enough to see someone in a hotel lobby playing a piano who's really good and nobody gives a toss, you know. It's like, 'I've done that. It's bloody hard work'. So I'm on the artist's side."