X-Factor has ruined Top 40 charts
Nearly half of Brits think X-Factor stars like Leona Lewis lack real talent
Britons believe the UK music charts have lost credibility and reflect the marketing power behind overhyped artists rather than the nation's musical tastes, a poll has found.
Almost three quarters (74%) of Britons believe the importance of the UK music charts has diminished in recent years.
Almost half (40%) believe the "stars" of shows like X Factor lack real talent and 65% condemn reality TV talent shows for creating a generic style of music.
Most people (82%) believe that true musical talent is being overshadowed by hyped sales of stars with less ability.
Most people (93%) have more respect for singers and bands who make it through word-of-mouth like Lily Allen and the Arctic Monkeys than reality TV stars.
Under-18s have three times more respect (75%) for the likes of Smile singer Lily than X Factor winner Shayne Ward (25%).
The Colgate Max Fresh survey was commissioned to mark the launch of an online talent search with E-Music TV in which unsigned artists are invited to post their music tracks online to win the chance to record their music at the famous Abbey Road studios.
The competition is being launched by Dan Gillespie, frontman of The Feeling.
The survey questioned 1,500 people aged 16 to 55 online about their tastes in music.
VOTE: Do you think the charts have lost credibility?
