Wire Slams TV Talent Shows

Believes that "cash cow" shows are alienating genine talent.

Manic Street Preachers star Nicky Wire is unimpressed with the rise in TV talent shows, insisting the "cash cow" programmes are creating "a waste of talent".

The rocker took aim at Simon Cowell's The X Factor during an interview on The Jo Whiley Show, and he's convinced the series is alienating "genuine bands or artists" who struggle to compete in the charts against high-profile contestants who release albums.

He says: "The real drawback is the record industry is becoming obsessed with it as a vehicle to sell records.

"That's the real downside because there's a lot of waste of talent out there - genuine bands or artists who don't get the chance anymore because it is such a cash cow."