X Factor is merely there for entertainment. Just like Pop Idol was, Strictly Come Dancing and all the rest of it. If any of the contestants of the show truly have genuine talent they will have to work at it to go beyond what X Factor can offer them. So far they've all demonstrated that they haven't got what it takes. It's all out of sight out of mind for most of them at the moment.

Helen, London,

I agree with many of his comments. The X Factor has to go. Its terrible how some people buy the singles of the winners for all the wrong reasons. Its like the opposite that I hear from McFly haters. I've heard people say " I actually really like McFly's new single but I'm not going to buy it because its McFly."

Then I've heard people say " I'm actually disappointed with the X Factor winners single but I'm going to buy it anyway because they deserve it."

Fame is something that should be worked for properly. I don't mind so much these shows 'finding the new Joseph' or whatever but X Factor style shows have gone too far.

Sasha, Salford, United Kingdom

Damon Albarn’s comments are his own views. But when you look at it, how can he say the X Factor creates a mind set of getting something for nothing. That is total rubbish. It is the system as a whole that does that not the show. The X Factor contestants in fact work very hard to get to the top of the show and in some cases have done for years, take Niki for instance. The X Factor this year in my view was perhaps one of the less appealing shows, due to a number of things. The Judges fighting all the time and manipulating the vote with sob stories, to vote off those with genuine ability and keep their own acts in. The producers promoting one act more than another, via appearances with big names prior to the next part of the show. Then the voting, when a vast number could not get through on the phone to register a vote. Then to cap it all, a winner who cannot sing a whole number in tune. No Not one of the best shows, but I am sure they will put it right or loose a lot of viewers and ratings. I have not as yet heard the winning single on radio at all, I don’t know anyone that has purchased it and very few that like it. So it is a mystery to me how it has reached No:1 and to be honest I have never heard of “The Good, The Bad and the Queen” and I am fairly sure I never will, so perhaps Mr Albarn should stick to Radio 4 if that’s what he enjoys and leave the rest of the world to bumble along on its own.

Derek, Bournemouth, UK

Great views, and I totally agree. British culture nowadays just seems to revolve around how much money you make, and if you're famous. If you are deficient in either, then you're deemed a loser. Not good at all.

Colin Bowley, london, uk

Wonderful; at last to hear rightful condemnation of the culture spawned by X Factor and the like.

My 13 year old niece believes that all she has to do to attract instant fame and a lifetime of fortune and easy riches is to ape the singers she sees on such shows.

Not only will she fail but so will tens of thousands of other youngsters who have had their expectations raised by this froth and hype.

The show will do nothing to unearth some cutting edge acts such as those as the Beatles, Stones, Queen, Blur and the other truly creatives that have earned their spurs by the hard route.

No act yet that has won the X-Factor has provided a shred of true originality; they merely copy slavishly the acts foisted onto us by Simon Cowell and his ilk in the belief that it is what the record-buying public wants .

Right on Damon.

H R Hayward, Coleford, Gloucw

He's exactly right- The sooner we stop manipulating our society with this celebrity culture where teenagers aspirations are to become famous and get everything for nothing the better. And then people are angry that there is no work ethic? When I have children I will never ever let them watch ludicrous rubbish like Xfactor, Eastenders, Hollyoaks and all the rest of it that makes us feel miserable- Go and read a bl**dy book and educate yourselves...work for it don't just expect to get it.

Joanna, London,

I' d suggest an alternative cure for Mr Albarn's insomnia, a pre-recorded montage of the sound of his own voice and contrived opinions set to the backdrop of one of his "musical" compositions, it would outsell the x factor 10 times over as the number one cure for insomnia..................

sadie, Edinburgh, Scotland,