Elton John Slams 'The Voice' and Sympathizes with Justin Bieber in Interview

Elton John has been around the block a few times, so he had no problem airing his thoughts on things like television music contests and young stars such as Justin Bieber. 

More specifically, the famed pianist and pop star discussed his dislike of "The Voice." He accused the show of producing "nonentities," as opposed to the proven sales giants produced by competing program "American Idol." 

"'The Voice' is all about watching the judges, it is in America," Sir Elton's said to Radio 4's 'Today' program . "Nobody on 'The Voice' in America has had a hit record. They're nonentities."

I expanded his distaste for the rest of music contests however.

"Television and video have done a lot of damage to music," John said. "They've propelled people into stardom that aren't ready for it, you know, and it can't sustain it. And they're only as good as the next song."

John also commented on Justin Bieber, one of the biggest headline-makers in music. He said he sympathized with the pop star. 

"Unless you have got real gravitas and you have earned your corn, it is going to be hard for you to stay sane, it is going to be hard for you to maintain your career and you may end up being a bitter nonentity," John said. "I wouldn't want to be Justin Bieber or any of those young artists, it is tough on them."

John is releasing a new album in 2013, titled "Diving Board." He says that the struggles of finding fame at a young age is one of the themes of the album. John was 23 when his own "Tumbleweed Connection" made him a star.