James Blunt has said that he "didn't enjoy" his time as a judge on The X Factor Australia, admitting that he struggled with the nature of the format and how the winners were chosen.
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Blunt was a judge on the show's seventh season which aired in 2015, and speaking with this week's issue of Radio Times magazine, delved into the difficulties he had with his role on the show.
He said: "I didn't enjoy it, and I struggle with The X Factor, because it's more TV show than music competition. The winners are always the judges' choices rather than the ones who do best each week.
"Seeing these hopefuls with their 15 minutes, and their dreams shattered for ratings, I find quite painful."
During Blunt's time on the show he was on the judging panel alongside Guy Sebastian, Dannii Minogue and Chris Isaak, with Isaak's act Cyrus Villanueva being crowned winner.
The show's seventh season was followed up by an eighth and – as things stand – final outing, featuring judges Mel B, Guy Sebastian, Iggy Azalea and Adam Lambert.
The new issue of Radio Times magazine is out from Tuesday 5th September.
Blunt recently announced that his seventh album, Who We Used to Be, will be released later this year on 27th October 2023.
The Australian X Factor was based on the original British format, which ran between 2004 and 2018. It was alleged last year that the British show would be returning on Channel 5, but there has been no subsequent news or confirmation.
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James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
