Nicky Wire - Nicky Wire Slams 'Cash Cow' Tv Talent Shows

The rocker took aim at Simon Cowell's The X Factor during an interview on Britain's 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."