Elton John Says Shows Like 'The X Factor' and 'American Idol' Harm New Musicians' Careers

Legendary musician Elton John has publicly criticised popular talent shows such as The X Factor and American Idol, describing them as harmful rather than helpful to aspiring new artists. In a recent interview, the iconic singer-songwriter advised emerging musicians to avoid the quick fame route promised by television talent competitions and instead recommended performing live in pubs, small venues, and local events as a more authentic way to build their careers.

According to Elton John, reality singing competitions create an unrealistic expectation of instant success, often failing to provide the solid foundation artists need to develop their own musical identity. He argues that although these shows generate massive audiences and promise overnight stardom, they typically lack the crucial element of genuine artistic growth, something that can only come from performing live, making mistakes, and connecting organically with audiences.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Elton John emphasised the importance of small gigs in shaping a musician’s craft. He believes that playing live regularly in local venues allows artists to understand audiences better, build confidence, refine their skills, and ultimately develop their unique sound. This journey, he argues, is essential to long-term success, far outweighing the fleeting popularity often gained through televised competitions.

Elton John’s comments reflect a broader concern within the music industry about the sustainability of careers launched through talent shows. Despite huge initial exposure, many winners and contestants from shows like The X Factor or American Idol find it difficult to sustain their success long-term. Elton John attributes this struggle to a lack of authentic grounding, stating that instant fame rarely translates into meaningful artistic longevity.

He pointed to several successful musicians who emerged from pub gigs and smaller venues, including artists like Ed Sheeran, Adele, and even The Beatles. Each of these globally recognised stars began their journey by performing intimate gigs, developing their abilities gradually, and building a loyal fanbase through genuine musical connections. John emphasised that these foundational experiences are irreplaceable and cannot be replicated through manufactured, television-led success.

The veteran performer’s advice to aspiring artists is simple yet powerful: invest time in playing live, even in humble surroundings. Pubs, clubs, and local venues are the traditional breeding grounds for talent, providing the space to experiment freely and grow creatively. Elton John believes that such environments allow artists to evolve naturally, shaping their musical direction authentically rather than fitting a commercially driven mould designed by television producers.

Reaction to Elton John’s statements has been mixed, yet overwhelmingly supportive from within the music community. Many established musicians, producers, and industry insiders have echoed his sentiments, acknowledging the challenges new artists face when thrust into the spotlight prematurely. Others have highlighted how reality competitions provide opportunities and exposure for some performers who might otherwise remain undiscovered. Nevertheless, Elton John’s message remains clear: genuine artistry thrives best outside of the pressure-cooker environment of televised talent contests.

His candid critique urges new artists to reconsider the value of instant fame and instead embrace the traditional, more enduring path of live performance. Elton John's advice highlights the importance of nurturing talent gradually and authentically, building skills that will enable artists to thrive long beyond their initial breakthrough.

In essence, Elton John's message to emerging musicians is about preserving artistic integrity and prioritising long-term career sustainability over fleeting television stardom. His experienced perspective offers invaluable guidance, emphasising that real success in music comes from authentic connections with audiences, developed through the tried-and-tested route of performing live in local venues, pubs, and clubs.