Same Difference blast 'ridiculous' Auto-tune

Same Difference star Sean Smith has called the use of Auto-tune on The X Factor "ridiculous".

Smith, who reached the final of the ITV1 reality show in 2007, claimed that the vocal alterations in the production process are insulting to viewers and contestants.

"To be honest, I thought it was ridiculous. It was pulling the wool over the eyes of the public," he told DS. "That's the beauty of the show; it's people who are raw at first, then they work with the best in the business and get better and better.

"What that's done is steal that away from the show. If people sound great from the start, what's the point?

"Also, I think for the people who got Auto-tuned, I'm sure they aren't happy. It gives them a stigma and people will think, 'Ooh, they can't have been that good, they were Auto-tuned'. They are at a disadvantage before they've even started. I think it's unfair really."

The singer, who is promoting Same Difference's comeback single 'Shine On Forever (Photo Frame)', also warned this year's hopefuls about life after The X Factor.

"Everything is put on a plate for you when you are put on the show. The moment it ends, there is a massive kick down to earth," he said. "We were lucky to come third and have offers on the table. But for the others it must have been madness.

"So much happens so quickly and then it just goes away. 100%, the hard work starts when you finish the show."

> Fans criticise 'X Factor' Auto-tune

> Click here for our full interview with Same Difference