Keith Urban has spoken out against those who bash reality singing shows like The Voice, on which he appears as a judge in Australia. Speaking to the Australia Herald Sun, Urban defends shows that give talented artists shorter paths to success in the music business.
"A lot of people are so quick to say that's a cop-out, you have to work the pubs and clubs to pay your dues. But if we didn't have to, would we? Nobody wants to go and starve for 10 years. Nobody chooses that. That was just my lot. That's what it took for me," he explains.
"And if some other bugger comes along and does it in a year, you know what? Fantastic. The fact is, there are no longer as many pubs and clubs to play, so that forum as a means of getting ahead doesn't exist like it did when I was starting out."
He also adds that artists who win reality singing shows aren't necessarily taking the easy way out:
"These guys aren't getting an easy ride," continues the "For You" singer. "I don't know what sort of courage it takes to get up there -- the idea of doing that is something I find so intimidating and nerve-racking. I don't think anyone gets out of paying their dues."
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