Nutini blasts 'transparent' reality shows

Paolo Nutini has blasted reality shows for giving contestants a false sense of security.

The Scottish singer admitted that he enjoyed watching the audition stages of The X Factor but that he wasn't fooled by their "transparent" formula.

"I like those people on the opening shows who come in and sing random songs, but the rest of it just seems like a crazy sitcom - and not one of the best sitcoms at that," he told DS.

"It seems very transparent and follows a very standard blueprint. But at the end of the day it entertains a lot of people and if no one gets hurt and no one goes in thinking they'll have a 20-year career, it's harmless."

The star, who was discovered by briefly warming up for former Fame Academy winner David Sneddon, went on to claim that the BBC show initially showed potential to develop artists in a positive way.

"The first time round I didn't think Fame Academy was the worst premise in the world. You got people on and they would write songs and develop themselves as artists," he said.

"But then instead of getting a little bit more credible it got a little bit more ridiculous. I think the first one was the only reality show I've ever really watched to be honest."

Nutini releases his new album Sunny Side Up on June 1.

> Click here to read our full interview with Paolo Nutini