Music
Rex Features
The singer, who won the inaugural Pop Idol in 2002, claimed that appearing on the show helped secure public respect for his talent.
"I'm not ashamed of where I came from, I'm proud of that show," he told the Daily Star.
"You have to earn people's respect, and I think Pop Idol did that for me, but I'm also proud of what I've done with my career since.
"People see it as a step down, which is bizarre because you have to be very good to win a show like that. I will always be a talent show winner because that is where I came from."
The star, who releases his greatest hits collection next month, teamed up with X Factor judge Cheryl Cole to help select the final four boys in her category.
Will Young releases new single 'Hopes & Fears' on November 9.
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