I understand why people do reality TV talent shows, I just don't think it's good for music. It's karaoke. What three people on a panel perceive as being great vocally, I think, isn't necessarily right.

I think the thing about music is, it's about communication. If you communicate to anyone, whether someone unknown who's a fan or Lady Gaga, I think that always gives you a nice feeling. It's always nice when people say nice things about you. But we tend to think about people as equals.

The likes of Bob Dylan and David Bowie and probably Elvis Presley or any of the Beatles, none of them would have got through Pop Idol, because they're not conventional. They're not what people think is popular now. I like the individuality in people. I don't want everyone to sound the same.

The whole music industry has completely and totally changed from how it was. It's very, very different. When we started, there were loads of record company people throwing money at musicians, and that did give people a long term career.

I think that's one of the great things about the travel. One day I am at home in Sheffield, the next day I'm playing the Hollywood Bowl. It's extraordinary.

What better job is there for a 17-year-old girl than being in a pop group?

Mark Jones is mad as a hatter. But, he's great. He's really, really into music. I know he's married and he's got two wonderful children, but his life is music. And he's very clever with it.