Emeli Sande: "People Always Told Me To Audition For The X Factor"

31 January 2012, 06:57 | Updated: 31 January 2012, 07:02

The 'Next To Me' star admits she had no interest in appearing on the talent show because she wanted to write her own material.

Emeli Sande has revealed that she was never tempted to appear on talent shows such as The X Factor because she thought it would harm her creative freedom.

The 'Heaven' singer confessed that people used to always tell her to audition for the show but she always wanted to be respected as a strong writer.

Speaking to the Daily Star, she said: "People used to tell me to do it because they saw getting signed as a long battle, but it was never about that. Having a good voice was not enough; it was about being a writer. And I didn't think I'd have got the opportunity to sing my own songs if I'd done that." 

The 'Read All About It' singer also went on to reveal that she disagreed with the judging style of the show and didn't want to have to face possible rejection.

"It always seemed sad seeing three people on a panel crushing a young singer's dreams, so I didn't want to put myself through that. "

However, Emeli added that if there was a difference of personnel on the show - then she may have been tempted.

"Maybe if Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone were on the panel... But even then I don’t know if I'd like it. Being an artist is about feeling free to do what you want."

Meanwhile, the star who releases her debut album 'Our Version Of Events' next month recently revealed that she is working with Alicia Keys on the American singer's new album.