Will Young has said that he thinks The X-Factor is unhealthy because it gives contestants unrealistic hopes of what they can achieve. The former Pop Idol winner said: "The new thing, which wasn't in Pop Idol four years ago, is the emphasis on 'This show will change your life and you'll be a better person.' A lot of people on these shows are really nice but there's the message that fame and money will make them better people - and that's so unhealthy. When I did Pop Idol it was about seeing who could sing."
He also dismissed the idea that X-Factor winner Shayne Ward is 'the new Will Young', telling Metro: "I haven't heard anyone say that. That's what happens though. Any new male solo singer gets compared with others who are around already. I'm not worried."