Sting has hit out at TV talent contests - accusing programs such as American Idol of "humiliating" contestants and degrading the music industry.

The musician insists the shows, including Britain's The X Factor, are filled with talent-less wannabees who are exploited by TV bosses in a bid to boost ratings. Sting is adamant the performances are no better than "televised karaoke" and have nothing to do with discovering real talent.

He says, "I am sorry but none of those kids are going to go anywhere, and I say that sadly. They are humiliated when they get sent off. How appalling for a young person to feel that rejection. It is a soap opera which has nothing to do with music. In fact, it has put music back decades. Television is very cynical. I was looking at televised karaoke where they conform to stereotypes. They are either Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston or Boyzone and are not encouraged to create any real unique signature or fingerprint. That cannot come from TV."

And The Police frontman reserves his harshest criticism for music mogul Simon Cowell and the rest of the X Factor panel.

He adds, "The X Factor is a preposterous show and you have judges who have no recognizable talent apart from self-promotion, advising them what to wear and how to look. It is appalling. The music industry has been hugely important to England, bringing in millions. If anyone thinks The X Factor is going to do that, they are wrong."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)