Sam Smith feels `X-Factor` damaging for artists

London: Sam Smith has admitted that he would never have auditioned for 'X-Factor' as it's "damaging" for artists.

The 'Stay With Me' hitmaker, who recently performed on the 'X-Factor' finale, said that it was a very conscious decision for him not to audition, the Mirror reported.

The 22-year-old singer continued that the reality show was only meant for singers and it would be damaging for those who want to go into songwriting.

Smith further said that one could sing on a cruise ship or release a cover album, that was what it was for because when one think about it, every week, that's what one did.

Smith added that the minute he started writing music, he knew that none of that stuff was going to be for him and he wanted people judging him on his voice and his songs and that's what was important to him.