Cowell can never find a global star: Cliff Richard

British singer Cliff Richard slams ‘The X Factor’ judge.

LONDON:

Pop legend Cliff Richard says music mogul Simon Cowell will never be able to find a global superstar on his singing reality show “The X Factor”.

“Real and lasting stars on that show will only come when artists get 100 per cent care and attention and are not under pressure to be ‘number one’ all the time,” said the veteran singer.

“Take it from me, the next Elton John, Tom Jones or Cliff Richard will not be found on ‘The X Factor’, despite what Simon (Cowell) thinks. It is a shame. ‘The X Factor’ shows do produce some talent, even the losers are great,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted the 71-year-old as saying.

Richard feels Cowell should encourage participants to build lasting careers. “My first record reached number two in the charts, my second number seven, then nine, then 17, my first number one was ‘Living Doll’. That can’t happen now. These days a number two is considered a flop and you are not signed again,” he said. “If they want to find someone who has longevity, Simon has to tell record companies ‘we don’t just want one-hit wonders’ and then work with these artists,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2011.