Singer James Blunt is holding auditions to rival the X Factor to find a support act for his upcoming Hammersmith Apollo gig.
The 40-year-old army veteran and successful singer is inviting unsigned musicians to audition to support him at his December show as he believes his search for the next big star is more credible than ITV’s talent show.
He told Metro’s Guilty Pleasures: “I’ve always been part of choosing the support acts that come with me and I enjoy that.
“Anything goes! It doesn’t have to be anything like my music at all. It doesn’t have to be one man and a guitar, it can be anything. Bands, solo artists, whoever is great. I am up for anything and giving them a chance.”
The hit-maker, who is renowned for his sharp wit when dealing with naysayers on Twitter, added: “X Factor competitions are not really about the music. I’m looking for something a bit more genuine.”
He was taken under Elton John’s wing in his early days and became a support act to the legend when he played to 40,000 people in Ipswich football stadium, just the day after his first gig to around 20 people in north London. “That was him giving new musicians an opportunity,” Mr Blunt said.
To apply to support James Blunt’s Hammersmith Apollo gig on December 1, send links of your music on YouTube or Soundcloud by 6pm tomorrow (October 7) to adamjnealon@gmal.com
