Damon Albarn has lashed out at Simon Cowell, for his lack of imagination in developing acts that win shows like the X Factor and American Idol.

Saying that he struggles to ‘engage’ with acts from TV talent shows, the Blur star admitted that he wants nothing to do with any music stars associated to Simon Cowell.

In an interview with MTV, Albarn said: “I can’t really engage with the stuff that comes out of Simon Cowell’s imagination.

“I really don’t want to share his imagination, because it’s … his imagination is sort of, by a pool, where he’s endlessly looking at a rubber duck, just floating from one side to the other, pulling his trousers up a little more.

“[And] someone brings him a drink, then he goes back again [to watching the duck].”

The singer added: “That’s his kind of imagination, and I feel I deserve a little more than that.

“So all the music that comes out of that entire culture, that’s what I think of it. … I want no part of it, really.”