Alexandra Burke defends 'X Factor'

Alexandra Burke has defended The X Factor after the show attracted criticism from other artists.

The reality talent contest has been attacked by singer-songwriters Sting, Patrick Wolf and Calvin Harris in the last few days.

Last year's winner Burke told BBC Newsbeat: "That show is the most amazing platform. It's great that these shows are around because it's not a day and age when people can walk into a label and get a record deal anymore.

"You have to do something out of the box. It annoys me when anyone snubs that show because it's the most amazing show. They give so many people the opportunity to live their dreams."

She added: "I think it's great that we're taking over the charts. X Factor, we rule. I wouldn't say [Simon Cowell's] saturating the charts. It's music, and music is music.

"Okay, fair enough, we've come from this show but everyone is making great music which will hopefully be remembered for the next 50 years.

"If people are buying it then you must be doing something right. He must be doing something right. The public buy music; it's not Simon Cowell buying the music. I'll stick up for him."