LITTLE BOOTS said being rejected from Pop Idol helped her develop a thick skin.
The singer auditioned for the TV talent show in 2000 and sang a version of Nina Simone's 'Feeling Good', but only got to the third round before she was voted out.
Speaking to Look magazine, she said: "I got to the third round of Pop Idol and was kicked out. Simon wasn't very kind. But it helped give me a thicker skin in dealing with people.
"I swiftly realised that shows like Pop Idol are no shortcut to the top. That comes from hard work. Pop Idol was an experience but little else."