Graham Norton Blasts ‘X Factor': ‘I Wouldn't Throw 50p At The Contestants If They Were Busking'
Graham Norton Puts The Boot Into 'X Factor'
Matt Bagwell— The Huffington Post UK
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Move over Louis Walsh, there’s a new ‘X Factor’ hater in town - now Graham Norton has put the boot in.
The chat show host has launched a scathing attack on the ITV talent show, which he says has ‘lost its credibility’.
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Graham Norton
“I haven’t watched X Factor the past few years because it just seems so long now – it’s endless,” he told the Radio Times.
“Also, the people aren’t very good, so to all the judges’ comments of ‘I’d buy your album tomorrow’ you think, ‘You’re never having an album’. You wouldn’t throw 50p at them if they were busking in the tube. I think it’s lost its credibility.”
Despite not being a fan of the singing contest, Graham did admit he was a fan of one of its judges. Yep, our Graham chooses to wake up to a bit of Nick Grimshaw in the morning rather than his Radio 2 colleague Chris Evans.
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“Certainly, I’m not supposed to be listening,” he said. “He’s supposed to have attracted the kids, but he can’t shake this 52-year-old listener.
“I like the music he plays and besides, where would I go? I don’t want Radio 4’s Today, and I don’t want Chris Evans, so Nick it is. What faint praise that is!”
Ouch.
Graham also revealed that despite his chat show attracting the world’s biggest stars, he still wants Brad and Angelina to appear - oh, and former US President Bill Clinton.
“He’s funny, he’s got stories, he’s charismatic, and also now he’s in that unique position of having been president and probably going to be the first man, or Fmotus (First Man of the United States),” he said.
Earlier this year, Graham also made his views on the fact the BBC could face huge cuts in funding pretty clear.
The presenter said that TV lovers who think the Beeb shouldn’t be protected from funding cuts would soon change their tune if they were forced to go without it.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Graham explains his idea, stating: “I think they should switch off the BBC for two months.
“Just put £24 into everyone’s bank account, and switch the BBC off for two months, and people would s*** themselves.”
'X Factor': Most Controversial Moments
Emily Nakanda's Happy-Slapping Scandal(01 of06)
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Back in series four, 15-year-old Emily Nakanda was one of the early favourites to win the show, but had to back out, after a video emerged showing her violently attacking another teenage girl.Reports at the time said Emily was asked to leave the competition by producers, or risk being axed. (credit:Ken McKay/Rex)
Frankie Cocozza Oversteps The Mark(02 of06)
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Frankie's hard partying during his time on 'X Factor' in 2011 was well-documented, but it ended up costing him his place in the competition, when he broke one of producers' "golden rules", later reported to have been the use of class-A drugs. (credit:Beretta/Sims/REX)
Grimmy And Rita Join The Show(03 of06)
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The addition of Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora was - at least initially - a controversial one, with some critics wondering whether either of them had the relevant experience to find the UK's hottest talent. (credit:ITV)
The Six Chair Challenge(04 of06)
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The 'Six Chair Challenge' has been a sticking point with 'X Factor' viewers since its debut in 2013. Many have branded the final stage of Bootcamp cruel, with some hopefuls gaining a place at Judges' Houses only to have to give it up later, but Simon Cowell clearly doesn't mind, as it's back for 2015. (credit:Tom Dymond/Thames/Rex)
Louis Walsh Pushes Dannii To Breaking Point(05 of06)
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Louis repeatedly accused Dannii of stealing one of his acts' songs back in 2008, resulting in the 'Put The Needle On It' singer breaking down in tears live on air, and having to vacate the panel at one point to gather herself.Simon jumped to Dannii's defence, telling Louis: "Dannii made the right choice, Louis, if you don't like it, tough."You're always whining and complaining. You two have to kiss and make up." (credit:ITV)
Gamu-Gate(06 of06)
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A turning point for Cheryl's popularity with the British public came when she was met with a backlash for putting both Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel through to the live shows, over viewers' favourite Gamu, despite neither of them finishing their performances at judges' houses.Reports later suggested that Gamu could be facing deportation from the UK - adding to the backlash against Cheryl - though the aspiring singer was later insistent this was not the case. (credit:Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex)