Nerina Pallot: 'Gary Barlow is a credible X Factor judge'

Nerina Pallot has branded Gary Barlow as the first credible judge to be included on the X Factor panel.

The 'Put You Hands Up' performer revealed that she is a fan of the show, but thinks the contestants should be nurtured as artists while participating in the competition.

When asked whether songwriting should be encouraged on the X Factor, Pallot told Digital Spy: "Definitely. I'm actually a fan of The X Factor and I think it's important that it exists, but I think it's not the best platform it could be for the artists.

"I think they are going to cheapen the brand unless they allow more interesting acts to come through, because people are sick of these identical Christmas singles. There's also loads of talented people who don't get into the finals which shows that it's more about the television show than the music."

Pallot then praised new judge Barlow, predicting that his participation in the television programme will see more artistry brought to the forefront.

"What's good about having Gary on the panel is that he's the first credible judge they've had on the show. He's a proper musician with real success," she said.

"The previous judges have all had successes in their own right, but they were more celebrity figures. Gary Barlow is the first proper artist and I hope that means we will see more artistic merit in the acts that come through."

Nerina Pallot's new album Year of the Wolf is out now.

> Read our full interview with Nerina Pallot

Watch the music video for Nerina Pallot's 'Put Your Hands Up' below: