Gallagher Slams X Factor Age Limit


Noel Gallagher has waded into the debate over teenage contestants on The X Factor, insisting the age limit should be raised to 18.

Critics in Britain have blasted show boss Simon Cowell for allowing fame-seekers as young as 16 to try out for the singing contest, because they are drawn onto an emotional rollercoaster as they fight to stay in the competition each week.

And former Oasis rocker Gallagher has echoed their fears, telling the U.K.'s Absolute Radio it's wrong to shatter the dreams of hopefuls who are so young.

Speaking after 16-year-old Amelia Lily was axed from the British version of the show on Sunday (09Oct11), he says, "(The judges) say things like, 'Oh, you're great but you're too young'. Well, don't put her through in the first place, then. They shouldn't put a 16 year old on that show.

"It should be at least 18, because what would happen, conceivably, if the public voted a 16 year old into pop stardom?"