Tuesday, October 19, 2010 4:56am ET by  
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Elton John says talent shows are boring

Elton John has described today's trend of reality talent television shows such as 'American Idol' and 'X Factor' as "boring", and that the instant fame those shows bring doesn't make genuine stars.

John also feels that current songwriters are "pretty awful" and modern day pop music is "uninspiring," in an interview published in today's Radio Times.

"It's important they (pop stars) 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."

"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."

John added that he's only a big fan of Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga, who do all write their own songs.

Looking back at the start of his career, he said: "I was in a band at 17, became a songwriter with Bernie Taupin and wasn't successful until we'd had six years of hard graft and disappointment, as well as great times. TV vaults you to superstardom and then you have to back it up, which is hard .... Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke are at the mercy of the next song they can get."

On Susan Boyle, John said she was "an endearing phenomenon, but I fear she might not understand the rigours of showbusiness."

John and Leon Russell's new album 'The Union' was released yesterday (October 18).

Listen to 'The Union' album track 'I Should Have Sent Roses' below: