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.

I think for a lot of new bands, although they have a lot of opportunity, this music business is not giving them a long-term career. I think there's some terrible stuff that comes out and we are bombarded by likes of The X Factor, Pop Idol and all those programs that I don't really like and I don't approve of.

Philip Oakey went to Target this morning to have a wander 'round and a guy ran up to him and said, "I went to see you last night and you were fabulous!" It made Philip's day! Whoever says it to us, we're always happy.

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.

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

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.

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.