Simon Cowell has spoken out to defend Nick Grimshaw's new judging spot on the panel of this year's X Factor.
Nick Grimshaw / Credit: FAMOUS
Explaining that he wanted to ensure the panel was balanced, the BBC Radio 1 DJ was brought onboard so that it wasn't just artists passing judgement.
Speaking to The Sun, Cowell said: "I have an issue with artists judging other artists. I would never allow a group of artists to run the record label, that would be crazy. You have to balance it up a bit.
"When I first appeared on TV, no-one knew who I was was. I just ran a record label. I actually never got paid for the first time I did Pop Idol.
"I thought, 'God, this is amazing. I can sit on a show and find artists. It's fantastic'."
He also noted that the show this year has to "lighten up" and "concentrate on the talent".
"It all got a bit heavy last year. The important thing is that we have got to concentrate on the talent because that is what's going to make the difference.
"I know everyone focuses on the judges but I think we have to focus on the contestants. I've got some ideas and I'm excited about what's coming."
Grimshaw joins the panel for the first time with fellow newbie and close friend Rita Ora, alongside Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.
Tagged in The X Factor