16 November 2005
mIRROR
Being on X Factor can drive you mad ..says rocker OzzyBy Cameron Robertson
THE X Factor contestants face mental trauma going back to their day jobs after being on TV, warns Ozzy Osbourne.
Rock star Ozzy, married to show judge Sharon Osbourne, also said facing the chop must give the wannabes "blood pressure like a hot water geyser".
Then they find it hard to return to ordinary life. Ozzy, referring to 2004 winner Steve Brookstein, said: "They never go anywhere.
"Look at that Steve from last year, I think he's back doing the pub circuit. "It's all fine and dandy, I'm all for it if they enjoy it.
"But it's gotta have some effect on them if they end up not pursuing a musical career, and going back to the same milkman job or window cleaning job... I mean, to be on TV singing?"
Ozzy told Nicky Horne on radio station Planet Rock that he's not a big fan of the ITV1 show. "X Factor is one big theatre, it's turning music into the WWF.
"It's about killing music to make light entertainment. It should be about music and talent but it's not."
He added: "I don't like them shows. I think it's unfair to the artists. I'm a veteran, but for some guy to be a dustman or a hairdresser and get picked for that show? They must have more guts than anybody because they've got 10 million people watching them. And then one of them must leave. Their blood pressure must be like a hot water geyser."
But X Factor judge Simon Cowell defended Steve who had a No 1 single and album but was dropped by his record label after only eight months.
He said earlier: "Steve got instant stardom. Life really isn't so bad for him. And he has the freedom now to take his career in any direction he wants. It's hardly a matter of life and death."
Ozzy also backed his wife's attack on fellow judge Louis Walsh who voted off talented Maria Lawson in favour of Irish group The Conway Sisters.
Louis was booed by shoppers yesterday as he skulked backstage when Westlife turned on the Christmas lights in Oxford Street, London.
