Sam Bailey blasts The X Factor judges: ‘The over-25s don’t stand a chance this year’

She won the show in 2013 but Sam Bailey has insisted acts like her won't have a chance this year – thanks to the new judging panel.

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by Jack White |
Published on

The 38-year-old claimed that the addition of Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora on the judging panel means the older acts will be forgotten.

Speaking to the Mirror, Sam said: "The Overs don't stand a chance this year. Would I survive? No, because three of the judges are very young and looking for young talent.

Sam won in 2013, but she doesn't think the Over 25s will be as lucky this year
Sam won in 2013, but she doesn't think the Over 25s will be as lucky this year

"You've got someone from Radio 1 and I'm not really played on Radio 1. So I wouldn't get much of a look in there. I'm a bit confused about the the Nick Grimshaw thing."

Sam, who parted ways with Simon Cowell's record label earlier this year, also suggested that there should be someone more experienced than Nick, Rita and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

She continued: "Rita Ora has only been in the business for a few years but I've been in it for 20 years. They will be looking for a new star – someone who will be competing against the likes of Rita or Cheryl.

Sam thinks the judges are 'too young' to appreciate older talent

"I'm old school. I'd rather have someone like Michael Bolton, Celine Dion or Bette Midler judging me. They've been in the business long enough to be respected in it."

Taking one final swipe at the panel, Sam said that last year there was too much attention on the judges and not enough on the talent.

"I hope it is still about the contestants and not as much about the judges this year," she added.

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