Sam Smith, the multi-award winning British singer, says he never considered auditioning for TV shows like The X-Factor because he caused them "damaging" for songwriters. Smith is one of the most successful artists of the past year and is tipped to be singing the theme song for the next Bond movie.

Sam SmithSam Smith is one of the most successful British artists of the past five years

Speaking to the Mirror, Smith said it "was a very conscious decision for me not to audition. It is for people, and it isn't for people." The "Stay With Me" singer said the show was "perfect for singers who sing, and that's all they want to do," but that ultimately "[y]ou're singing other people's songs. People are judging you on other people's music."

"I want people judging me on my voice and my songs - that's what's important to me," adding: "I always say to people: 'If you're a singer, go for it.' It's an amazing platform. But if you're not, and you're a songwriter, I think it's actually quite damaging for you to go on there."

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Smith actually performed on the X Factor on the UK season finale in December 14. He described the experience as "amazing" though noted he was disappointed he didn't get to meet the judges Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

"I didn't like that I didn't get to meet Simon and Cheryl," he said, adding: "I would have thought they would come and say hello, or I'd have got to go and say hello. But I never got to see them."

 In December 2014, Smith was nominated for six Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.

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