Popstar Anthony Costa Criticises X Factor For Being 'An Easy Road To Fame'

As X Factor gears up for its ninth season due to air later this month, Anthony Costa, a member of the boy band Blue has slammed the ITV1 talent show due to its manufactured format, accusing performers of having an easy road to fame.

Speaking to Yahoo OMG, the singer targeted X Factor alumni and rival boy band One Direction as a prime example of singers achieving fame simply by dint of appearing on the show.

He said: "It's a different story for One Direction, Blue came through the right route.

"We had to work hard to build up our fan base in pubs and university gigs," the 31 year old added. "It's a shame now that doesn't happen. It was more about the music for us. I like to say we did it the right way."

Blue rose to fame back in 2001 but went on to split up five years later, however they recently reformed back in 2009 and even represented the UK at the Eurovision song contest in 2011.

Since placing second on The X Factor, One Direction have had a runaway success with their debut album even breaking America which is often considered one of the toughest challenges facing British bands, so its no wonder Costa is perhaps feeling a tad jealous!

The 'All Rise' singer added: "X Factor is about the contestants not the music. It's like, someone only performs if they have something to promote."

Despite his opinions on the cultivated success of The X Factor, Costa did admit that if he hadn't joined Blue its likely he would have gone on the show saying: "I probably would have gone on The X Factor".

X Factor 2012: Which Songs Are We Most Likely To Hear!

Robert Pattinson Ready To Forgive Kristen Stewart? 'No Longer Angry Over Affair With Rupert Sanders'
Prince Harry And Kate Middleton Leave Athletes 'Shaking' As They Congratulate Team GB's Olympic Meda
Robert Pattinson To Show Sense Of Humour In TV Interview Following Kristen Stewart Cheating Scandal