Not only does John Legend sing the truth, he speaks it too.
For, when quizzed by E! about his thoughts on Britney Spears signing on as a judge on the X Factor USA, the ‘Used To Love You’ singer and star of ABC’s Duets didn’t hold back.
Find out what he had to say after the jump…
“You know it’s interesting. It should be very interesting. I don’t have much to say. It’s interesting when people, you know, are judging singing competitions when they aren’t really singers.”
**********
For those unblinded by Spears’ “celebrity”, Legend’s words are the undiluted truth. In any case, it’ll be interesting to see if she defies the odds come this Fall.
Your thoughts?
At the end of the day Britney is making way more money than his flop self and can actually sell album and have successful tours & singles, #next!
what’s your point bro? He was asked a question and he answered honestly. He never denied her success, that’s between her and u, by u i mean britney fans. You’re only taking it personal because u cant say he’s lying!
exactly! And John Legend has money too! He just chooses to take his time, preferring to release original material as opposed to piggybacking Top 40 sounds 24/7
istrongy agree with you..why take it personal..when all he was answer a simple question honestly..why lie..
doing*
I agree 100%
making money she has no control over cause she is almost
brain dead? Talent comes first darling. JOHN LEGEND WAS RECENTLY
HONORED AT HOWARD WITH A DOC. WHAT’S BETTER THAN THAT
it doesn’t matter how much money she makes. We’re talking about a singing competition being judged by someone who can’t sing.
But is this really a singing competition or about having what it takes to be a star. Britney apparently knows that.
@Chris,
I couldn’t agree with you more! John Legend is one of the hosts of a similar televised music competition. His opinion should be kept for the contestants on his fake a$$ show!
well said
So true. I didn’t even know he has a show coming up because it’s all about BRITNEY! She’s an actual Legend and that’s only his last name. That’s why he’s so mad. LMAO
that is what is so sad…how can someone have a career that can’t really sing just like the jonas brother talking about someone lip syncing and he can’t even sing a note…those live performances are really bad…i have never commented before but this is really ridiculous not hating on bs or the js they both have extremely successful careers but it is what it is
Poor FLOPney spears ;))
All jokes aside, you can’t judge the quality of singing if you’re not a singer? That comment was unnecessary although I agree Britney is not the strongest singer she still knows the craft very well.
Singing is not in the show’s mission statement. Reality tv and ratings on the other hand, are. I just hope Britney’s people have her best interest for co-signing this. Anyways since Jlo was named no1 on Forbes yesterday, these reality tv judging jobs dont look like as much as a lessor’s best option as they used to.
singing is not the mission but paula and nicole have disapproved of so many contestants because
they sound too pitchy?
My comment was tongue n cheek but im glad u brought up Paula. Thats proof vocal prowess has never been a priority when Simon is seeking pop star for the judging role
John Legend. The world has been waiting for this. They need it spoken out loud not whispered. For years people have been pretending. That is if she knows when a singer is off key. It would be interesting to watch and to hear their Judgments. Right now britney cannot even tell if any body has the xfactor cause i am sure when she watched her DVD she thinks she is the bomb. Her brain just not connecting well with her actions anymore, that is why she always have this dead blank smile.
Demi is a try hard strained cat herself. Simone knows that his opinion is strongest at the end and will influence the public. He just want to use these girls for ratings
so so true! britney is being exploited. simone knows
people will watch in anticipation of a train wreck.
couple that with the revival of the competition with
christina on ‘the voice’ that the media is going to hype
to hell in favor of britney.
it will, no doubt, have some success for a while if poor
britney can hold up.
The n*gga was high or drunk….ya’ll can’t tell that? But anyways, I like John and Brtiney so whatever!
Oh and I see you Robin witcho fine self! Not as fine as Timberlake but you up there!
Britney CAN sing! Check the videos!
He has a point. However, L.A Reid and Simon Cowell are not singers either. They haven’t even performed ever in their lives, so have an even lower level of experience than Britney does. They are in the judging panel as industry moguls and Britney is in the judging panel as an icon that has toured/ performed at many shows, so she can give basic advice, like J Lo, Paula Abdul and too many other celebrities to count.
Still, I have said it before and I think I’ll be proven right (unfortunately). Britney, because of how much of a huge brand her team has built, is an easy target. People don’t care if most judges on talent shows can’t hold a note (excluding ‘The Voice’), they will come for Britney regardless. Which is exactly why I have been against her team’s decision to make her sign on. It can’t benefit her, but it CAN harm her and it probably will. 🙁
people say things like this and act like it’s right. Simon and Randy aren’t performers or singers and never claimed to be, so therefore, they are allowed to judge! There job is to find talent and judge it. Now when you have no talent to begin with you are a singer and performer, how the hell can you tell someone, that wasn’t good or you can’t go to the next round when you, yourself, have made it without being able to put on a good show???? see the difference????
and as far as basic advice goes… that’s pathetic. I cringed when I saw Jlo just give a basic opinion. You are supposed to tell the sineger if they were flat, pitchy, on key, off key, had no powerful or were powerful, and if there was soul or enough emotion in the song!
The X Factor is not just about singing it is about finding that person with that Star Quality that you can’t put your finger on but they just get you! Whether you lik it or not Britney Defines that, she is pop Royalty and has been putting out records and sold over a 100 million albums for just over 15 years, if you watch the MTV documentary that Britney did after she had a melt down, you will find shes actually a really tough women, she’s no fool, she comes across as all sweet but thats just media, the documentary showed a whole new side to her that I think people are going to be surpirsed and Happy to see, people like her and Rihanna may not be the greatest singers but there are women who know what they want and know what good music is and know how to perform it, i’m excited about Britney she’s gonna be amazing!
Hush.
Hell, JLo can’t sing either but these dumbasses still tune in and buy her s*** sooo…whatever…. I’m glad he was honest though, somebody had to say it lmbao!
Sam when are you gonna acknowledge that Mariah got you and other blotters together for saying she was dossing Britney and x factor? Anyhow it’s fine for John to have an opinion. He is talented.
Yur Rite John Legend, I was thinking the same thing as to why is Jennifer Lopez judging a singing competition (American Idol)??/ We all kno who the REAL SINGERS ARE!!
@ASAP However, L. A. Reid and SImon COwell discover talent such as Mariah Carey, TOni BRaxton so they know REAL SINGERS when they hear then so they are by NOOOO WAY LESS QUALIFIED than BRITNEY SPEARS!!!! BRITNEY SPEARS IS AN ENTERTAINER (Dancer) NOT REALLY A VOCALIST, If at all..
A REAL SINGER is someone like PATTI LABELLE!! A SANGER!!!
Exactly, which is why I said that their role in the panel is being mentors, moguls. That’s the reason they’re able to judge. And Britney judges because of her experience as a performers. She knows how the industry works. Given that there is no “only singers can judge singing competitions” principal (again, excluding ‘The Voice’), EVERYONE can find a reason to judge 😉
He is such an Ass!
A good singer/songwriter but he really didnt need to say that.
Anyhow, the x-factor is unlike Idol, in that it isn’t only about vocals. Acts can also be performers. People don’t dance on idol, on x-factor some acts do routines.
Britney Spears cannot just stand on a stage in a dress and sing!! like other singers..She cant do that because she does not have the vocal talent to do that such like other SOUL SINGERS!! She was inspired by entertainers such as Madonna whom was a MODEL and DANCER originally….However, I like Britney Spears, and she is GREAT, TALENTED ENTERTAINER!! but not an AMAZING VOCALIST>>
@DUNK We ALL know that AMERICAN IDOL is COMPLETELY ABOUT SINGING and the X FACTOR’s MAIN FOCUS IS SINGING… THey are SINGING COMPETITIONS!!!!
John please shut up. I get where he is coming from, but Paula and Jlo are and were judges on American Idol. I did not hear him saying comments about them being judges. The X-factor is not just about singing. It’s a about star quality. It’s having the It factor. So Britney being one of the famous well know artist out has the right to judge the people. It’s just like saying If i was a judge i can’t tell wheather a person can sing or not. Everyone has ears, and you know when someone hurts them with their singing.
i think he was speaking on JLO too….john legend is a hater and always tries to come for the pop girls….he slammed jlo after her HOT AMA performance cause a Fiat was on stage….but nobody slammed his n*gga ass when he was endorsing some cheap ass liquor….he is just a HATER plain and simple….guess he is mad cause no one wanted him on the panel
FIRST HE WAS ASKED THE QUESTION…..DO YOU HAVE A TAPE OR FOOTAGE OF SOMEONE ASKING HIM ABOUT J-H** OR PAULA…THINK BEFORE YOU TYPE.
I don’t know if he really said that! but peuhaps in yor case you think she can’t sing! but you who are you for said that! more people don’t know yor name! going out with bad vibes!
the show is about making stars. singers come a dime a dozen. not a lot of them have accomplish what britney has. that’s what she can bring that he cannot. he needs to focus on getting himself another hit
& for information all poeple don’t care about good singer who made bad music !
Lol and I suppose this one hit wonder of a flop is more qualified to find a superstar than Britney Spears. B**** please.
John Legend: “I can show you how to get lucky and have one memorable single…”
Britney Spears: “I can show you how to be the biggest star of modern music, have 7 top two albums, sell close to 200million records, be in a position where no matter what negative press occurs your career will never die, last 13 years in the business and still compete with whatever is up and coming, be an influence to thousands of other aspiring singers/performers. Phew, let me take a breathe and I’ll carry on…”
some people needs to just hush…..we all know britney is not known for her singing voice…she’s not a bad singer…
having talent is not just about singing..britney is a legend in the pop world, she has alot to bring to the table, beside singing..
last time i checked x factor is not like american idol…britney can actually be a good a example to what happens when u get too much fame s quickly and the whole world loves u..
I don’t know why ppl are getting so riled up.
Its the truth Britney spears can’t sing.
They didn’t ask him about American idol so stop reaching we know J-Lo can’t sing.
Also to the ones talking about “its not just about singing” What show are you watching? If that were the case,then why do they put so much emphasis on it
I’d have a problem if I were a singer and the likes of J-Lo and Britney were trying to criticize me.
The show is called X Factor. Think about it.
Yes! YES YES!
IN HER F****** UGLY FACE! LOL
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John legend
had a popular record no one could dance to, one time……
i disagree about the singing part, because its not purely a singing contest. however i agree that someone who isnt mentally stable/ is out of it most of the time, shouldnt be a judge. however ratings are ratings and a buzz is being created, exactly what simon wants
i find it hard to believe that this britney deal is really
going to come off. i’ll believe when i see it.
e!tv showed she had chewed her fingernail to the point of
bleeding. that was just during the showcasing of her
x factor announcement. is she going to be able to keep it
together week and week enough to be a judge of any
credibility is a good question.
hope her dad and handlers will be looking out for what’s
in the best interest for her health.
Britney cannot sing for s*** and is the queen of lip syncing and if u have someone like nicole schenzinger mocking her voice on television then she should be ashamed. John spoke the truth….AMEN
So based on his logic, no one but a singer is suppose to have an opinion on whether a person can sing or not…B******* John Legend. She has been in the entertainment industry longer than you have, I think she can offer valuable advice. Britney is an entertainer not a singer..she’s not my cup of tea but for him to say something like that is just wrong.
Good for you John Legend!
First I want some of what you were drinking…lol #truthserum
These people need to know the truth. It’s all for ratings. Why you think Janet didn’t take the gig. She is smart enough to know her place in this industry and taking a job like that would back fire on her. besides no one would hear what she was saying…lol
Men lie Women lie numbers don’t… Britney will bring rating to the show that’s about it.
girl please….janet wish she could revive her career and get 15 mill…..get outtta here queen
Good for you John Legend!
First I want some of what you were drinking…lol #truthserum
These people need to know the truth. It’s all for ratings. Why you think Janet didn’t take the gig. She is smart enough to know her place in this industry and taking a job like that would back fire on her. besides no one would hear what she was saying…lol
Men lie Women lie numbers don’t… Britney will bring ratings to the show that’s about it.
What else do you want her to do? She’s there to save that show.
He didn´t lie! Why are you all mad? He said it would be interesting and the girl can´t sing! Did he lie? No. He didn´t say she is not famous, or she has talent or she wasn´t a big album seller in 2000. He didn´t say that. He said a truth. Respect the truth people 🙂
The sad part about britney is she actaully had a decent voice when she first came out however she focused more on performing than actually trying to grow vocally… I mean CLEARLY she chose the right path cause its definitely paying off however everybody knows the little voice she had is long gone along with her 8-count ability… Still love Brit though and hope she bounces back one day!
He was drunk..DEAL
NOBODY CARES ABOUT HOW MUCH RECORDS BRITNEY HAS SOLD!!! THE POINT IS SHE IS NOT AN AMAZING SINGER!!! WE ARE TALKING ABOUT VOCAL TALENT!! SINGING!!! AND IT IS A SINGING COMPETITION AND JOHN LEGEND CAN SING THEREFORE HE HAS A RITE TO SPEAK WHEN IT COMES TO VOCAL TALENT!!! WE ARE TALkiNG ABOUT VOCAL TALENT AND BRITNEY CANNOT SIng AMAZINGLY CHRISTINA AGUILERA CAN SAAAANG BUT BRITNEY CANNOT> IDGAF HOW MANY RECORDS BRITNEY HAS SOLD THAT DOES NOT MEAN SHE CAN SING>….. THE MOST SUCCESSFUL IS NOT ALWAYS THE MOST TALENTED>>……..
Wow watch the one hit wonder dis a legend
In the voice of Latrice Royale: “THE SHADDDDDDDDDDE OF IT ALL!!!!!” Yessss. He looked a lil high or drunk, but he was 1000% correct! LOL
Well his vocals didn’t take him very far did they. Anyone can judge someone’s voice you don’t have to be a singer. Fans and music followers always judge artists performances and voice.
How is Britney going to know when someone is off key when she’s been auto-tuned her whole career? John Legend was being honest, why does he need to sugar coat it? Just because its Britney Spears? She’s probably wondering what the heck she’s going to say when critiquing these contestants. “Pitchy” isn’t even a real musical term but I’m sure that’s the only word she’s ever heard someone say to her. She’ll be there for one season and one only, and leave with some excuse of focusing on her career….
How would you know if Britney is off key? Are you a SANGER?
I’m a Britney fan and I’m not hurt by those comments at all. It’s been a long time since I woke up about Britney not being a vocalist. But no matter what, she makes good music, entertaining music and her little voice fits her music well so I have nothing to complain about. That dude was high as f***
We all know he is very talented but talent don’t give you the right to offend people.
he is a flop
How is he being truthful? Just because some people don’t have powerhouse vocals doesn’t mean they are not singers, maybe not sanger, but singers. How would he feel if the world didn’t take to his voice cause he isn’t powerhouse? He would be upset that people are so one minded. I really hate when people say that. I am glad all singers are not powerhouse music would be boring and annoying. She is an entertainer and in order to succeed in that industry you have to be and all around person, and that is where britney fits in. If people notice the singers that are full blown entertainers are the biggest singers of the world.
Obviously you don’t know anything about singing. Britney and JLo can’t sing because they are flat or pitchy every time they sing, used pre-recorded vocals, and don’t have much range! When you hit the notes right on the spot each time, have a nice range, and know how to utilize the sound of your voice, you can sing. Britney and JLo have never done that and rely on pitch correction, eqs, and special effects you dumbass! So don’t say “not everyone has to be a powerhouse” to be able to sing. Usually people, who can actually sing, are powerhouses because they’ve praticed so much and worked on their dynamics. What dumbasses, like you, forgot or don’t know about singing is that it’s more than just sounding “good” on a song.
Not continuing with your ignorance about singing. Obviously you weren’t born before 91
Also, if you have to result to calling me dumbass when I haven’t call you out of your name, means that we can’t have a mature conversation. So goodbye
Come on @You’reWrong, lets be real. Britney can not sing and it’s ridiculous to have someone with no vocal ability or listening training in music to know what the heck to look for in terms of sound (dynamic contour, pitch, timbre, spectral envelope). She probably doesn’t even know why those terms mean but true musicians look for these things when critiquing music, not just “oh you have a nice voice,” and that’s probably all she’s going to say. It’s for ratings and ratings only. It’s like the blind leading the blind, how does that work? I just pray she don’t p*** anyone off and they slam her on national television by asking her why she even there, or ask her to elaborate on her response. I would….
Yeah because true musicians are the only people who buy albums. R*****.
He is jealous
QUEEN B!
Why is every artist name that begins with b is queen B????
not every artist jus BRITNEY
QUEEN B!
is only one queen B!
AND THAT’S IS BRITNEY
I understand what he is saying, BUT she is a performer & a very successful entertainer, so she knows a thing or 2…., he shouldn’t throw shade, I mean she has what, 6 #1 albums? I mean that counts 4 something—-
You people are as dumb as a pile of rocks!!! I hate what this world has come to. People think that if you sound cute, s***, or pretty on a song, you can sing. Singing is exactly like playing an instrument. A person’s singing voice is really an instrument. I find it funny how if a guitar player would go up onstage and hit all the wrong notes, but smile and have fun doing it, everyone would find it to be unacceptable!
Britney and JLo, or should I say, S****** and JNO aren’t real singers because they don’t know the first thing about singing and how to really sing. I hate the excuse “Not everyone is a Whitney or Mariah” s***… Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson and Jordin Sparks aren’t Whitney or Mariah either, but they can sing! Demi is nowhere near Beyonce and her dynamics has gotten better, but she’s not a powerhouse either, but she can sing! S****** and JNO need pitch correction, eqs, and special effects for their voices to sound tolerable and even then, all they are hitting are a few notes throughout the song. There’s no soul, no real emotion, no tricky melodies where they are hitting a bunch of notes, no holding long notes, no f****** dynamics!
A REAL singer should know how to do all of these things! Amel Larrieux and Sade are soft singers, but they can f****** sing! John was right and is entitled to his opinion and he feels how he feels because HE STUDIED SINGING/VOCALS AND KNOWS HOW TO SING! Why do you think schools offer singing courses????
And as far as performing goes….S****** cannot perform worth a damn anymore and hasn’t been able to in 8 years and JNO just looks attractive and s*** onstage. None of them are Michael Jackson, Beyonce, or Chris Brown.
WOW haha
PREACH PREACH …..NOW THATS THE REAL TEE
Like you’re really rich, d*****.
Britney may not be a ‘singer’, but she has the X-Factor. And that’s what the show is called…
I would be surprised if she became judge on The Voice.
i guess the show’s name ‘x facter’ is appropriate for britney since she waaas a good entertainer years ago.
I like John (musically), but he could have kept that comment to himself…some things are better left unsaid…Britney seems like a really nice, humble person, unlike John right now.
john was asked a question. why is he not entitled to tell the truth? he wasn’t overly harsh, he just told it as he sees it.
so many people are so patronizing when it come to the subject of britney. it’s as if there afraid to say anything publicly negative about her.
the media who’ve taken on the task of keeping up the britney is still great illusion comes down on those who fall out of step.
show business should not be about being nice and humble (which she seems to be) if it’s not PRESENTLY accompanied with talent.
Shut the f*** up Irene. Show business is also about a person others are drawn to and you’re obviously always drawn to her since you’re on every post about her talking s***. Get off her d***!
If non singers shouldn’t be judging singing shows, then Randy Jackson, LA Reid and Simon Cowell himself all need to step down. None, not a one, of them is a vocalist. Britney is more qualified than all three of them. At least she has sang into a mike before. Albeit auto tuned.
THIS IS THE REASON WE HAVE, THE RIHANNA, KESHA, KATY PERRY TYPE BECAUSE OF THIS WHITE TRASH BRIT(YEA I SAID WHITE TRASH, I’M I LYING)…WE ALL KNOW BRIT CAN’T SING BUT I MUST SAY SHE WAS AN OK PREFORMER NO SHADE UNLIKE…….Y’ALL ALL KNOW WHO…..
T
Since when is Britney not a singer?? She might be a good singer but is a singer nonetheless. And she is no more unqualified to judge a singing competition than Simon Crowell. I know he was speaking his mind, but the way he said it just came off as major hateration. Sometimes when u have nothing nice to say it really is just best to shut up.
Why are you still bashing Britney spears? She is making money and has been in the industry over a decade. Since when was Britney a “great” singer. She has fans and the ability to get attention to the show. That is why they hired her. If they wanted a singer to judge the show they could have but they went with ratings and Britney is still a ratings winner. Last time I checked Simon does not go on tour singing and LA Reid does not either.
I agree, and Brits actually been in the industry for way over 15 years! She’s doing some right!
HE looked and sounded…. drunk.
Thats one of those if you don’t have nothing nice to say, do not say anythign at all moments John!
Well we see who is bitter that someone makes way more money, and is way more known than someone else in this clip.
Even Kelly who won a competition can praise Spears…. Sad day.
This goes into the Shade Hall of Fame for John Legend.
everyone who speaks negatively against britney is not jealous. maybe ‘because’ he was drunk he told the truth.
If you can’t judge a singing competition because you are not a singer than where were the complaints about SIMON COWELL & RANDY JACKSON? If he wanted to talk sh*t about individuls not being strong singers then why was he mute about Paula Abdul, J-HO etc.
Have several seats THUMBALINA here you go –> _/_/_/
He is under the influence of something. He was like borderline stuttering his words but at the end of the day, I think that’s what a lot of people are thinking. LOL!
the show is called THE X-FACTOR , X-factor as in talent/singing/performance/theatrics/dancing , basically putting on a show. Which is what Britney Spears does best. So NO singing is NOT her strong point but she can do the other things.
I can totally agree with what John Legend says; I think everyone does whether they say it or not. But truth be told, that was kind of a b**** move for a grown ass man (and professional) to diss a woman (and another professional). It’s the X-factor, not the voice.
The thing is the show is called “the X-Factor”. A lot of people may argue that Britney can’t sing, but she definitely has/had “the X-Factor”…And we all know its not always the greatest singer who wins these shows.
Lol I havent even read it yet but 88 comments. Lol. I know I’m in for a treat.That 15M is not sitting too pretty with real artists.
BRITNEY IS THE QUEEN OF MUSIC and he is drunk & jealous
he’s drunk but talented.
“We all know the tea and that’s the shade”-KidFury!
Britney is the epitome of a pop star she did it and solidified her name as one of the biggest of our generation. Regardless of her vocal ability the X- Factor is about more than just vocal ability it’s about a full package.
britney doesn’t sing or dance any longer. so what is x factor that’s in her package besides media hyping?
britney can sing and dance she is the best performer in the whole world
@ 21 replied…
britney can sing in a studio where her voice is audio enhanced. she can no longer dance and surrounds herself with hordes of back up dancers to pick up the slack.
you’re dazzled and deluded by the 1999-2003 britney and can’t let go. you can fool yourself but anybody knowing true talent knows britney no longer has any.
Who gives a rat’s ass? That curly head pervert will be judging a few vocalists on AGT, JLo too, don’t have much talent, singing wise that is.. its about entertainment and ratings. Hate much? Calebs should really focus on their own careers, whether its reviving it, or making it
In the end, Simon Cowell is wrong for putting Britney in this mess.
Don’t even get me started with Demi Lovato.
Hot boiling mess all the way around.
if she can’t sing why she sold more than 100 million albums?
He sounds like a drunk idiot. And the irony of everyone saying Britney can’t judge other people’s voices when she can’t sing herself. By your logic, if you’re not a singer how would you know if she could sing or not? SMH.
everyone knows enough about singing to have an opinion and judge what sounds good to them. they don’t claim to be able to give tips and advice on what’s wrong and how to improve techniques. they also won’t be getting paid $15 million as britney is (allegedly) getting.
britney spears never says anything nasty about any 1 but every1 allways slam her as if they have a right
The word “LEGENDARY” is not even enough to describe this talented artist’s outstanding music career… She is far and beyond the GREATEST female singer of all time. Unique in sound and vision, no one can ever replace BRITNEY SPEARS…NO ONE!”“Britney spears is the most selling female artist of the decade and the most searched person in the world so she is clearly the winner”“she rocks.. yeah baby!”