Singing sensation Hayley Westenra has told the PA that she thinks Simon Cowell would “slate” her if she turned up for an X Factor audition.

“I don’t know how I’d have fared on a reality show” Hayley said, adding, “I think Simon Cowell would have slated me.

“You have to be a certain type of singer and have a certain type of appeal.”

Hayley went on to say that although she wouldn’t want to have to be on the show – as a contestant – it has produced some “genuine talent”

“A lot people can run down these shows but they can bring up a lot of good talent.

“There’s a lot of great talent out there and it can be hard to find an opportunity to get noticed.”

Hayley spoke of her X Factor audition fears as she performed on the Children in Need charity album, Bandaged Together, with Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead and Sir Terry Wogan.