u2 is Like "Pollution"?

November 30, 2015

LOUIS Walsh yesterday let rip at homegrown talent, giving both barrels to Bressie, Ronan Keating and The Voice of Ireland.

The angry former X Factor judge even compared rockers U2 to "pollution" a day after their spectacular homecoming gigs.

Walsh said of Bono and Co: "They're like pollution, they're everywhere."

Holding nothing back, the 63-year-old Mayo-born music mogul admitted the easiest person he's had to manage - and the person who has made him the most cash - is himself.

Delivering a tongue lashing to Life Is A Rollercoaster singer Keating, Walsh put his success down to his expert managing skills. He said: "Is he talented? I don't know. Since I stopped picking his songs for him, he hasn't had a hit."

But in Louis' eyes, ambition can go a long way towards success.

He said: "Ambition and attitude is almost as important as talent, maybe more important.

"Ronan Keating was selling shoes in Korky's. I put him into Boyzone.

"I picked every single song he ever had when he was having hits. Ronan believes he's Gary Barlow and Ed Sheeran. I have to hand it to him for ambition."

Bressie also came under Louis' harsh criticism as the ex-judge branded him "deluded".

He said: "I like him, but he's deluded about his place in the music business. He hasn't had a hit." And the Voice of Ireland wasn't spared his ire either - he branded the RTE show "bad karaoke". He added: "The Voice of Ireland? They've never even had a minor hit from that programme."

Walsh also offered his opinion on this year's X Factor, the first in 11 years where he hasn't taken a seat at the judging panel.

And with viewing figures down, Louis said the change of judges as well as presenters this year could be to blame.

Louis said: "The ratings are down. If I'm honest, I think people are missing me and Dermot.

"We were part of the show for 11 years, Dermot was a very safe pair of hands."

Although claiming the X Factor is "the most powerful show in the world for music", Louis said boss Simon Cowell needs to keep things fresh. He even served up his honest opinion about former and current contestants of the show, with Cher Lloyd one of the more prominent in Louis' mind.

Louis said Cher was his least favourite of all contestants throughout his 11 years as a judge.

He said: "I didn't like her attitude. I liked her the least in the whole 11 years. I think it's over for her now."

Currently managing boyband HomeTown and Shane Filan, Louis also admitted to turning down a huge pay packet when he opted out of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!