'It's Heartbreaking': Emeli Sande Slams TV Talent Shows For 'Exploiting Dreams'

Emeli Sande has expressed her disgust at TV talent shows such as The X Factor and The Voice for “exploiting dreams” of the contestants, describing it as “heartbreaking” to watch when their hopes are dashed.

The 'Read All About It' singer rose to fame behind the scenes as a songwriter for the likes of Rihanna, Susan Boyle and Leona Lewis before stepping out into the spotlight with her debut album 'Our Version of Events,' so it's no surprise that she finds it difficult to watch young hopefuls have their dreams shattered in the glare of the public.

Emeli Sande isn't exactly a fan of TV talent competitions (Daniel Deme/WENN)

Speaking about singing competitions like American Idol, Emeli told Radio Times: “I just wish there was more (new) songwriting on those shows. And when they exploit dreams, that's heartbreaking.

“That's what pi**es me off. Don't do that to people just so we can watch it on TV. If people get a chance to do something they dream of, you can't be snobby towards that.”

While Jessie J named Emeli as one of the singers she would like to replace her as a coach on The Voice last year, the chart-topper is said to have turned down the opportunity.

It's not the first time Emeli has aired her views on TV talent shows, saying last year during a Q&A for the Prince's Trust: “When you have things like X Factor it’s almost showing this dream that doesn’t exist, it’s such a struggle getting even close to having that exposure.

“I think even if it feels hard at the moment, we’ve all been through it, we’ve all been working for years.”

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