Louis Walsh Calls Ronan Keating ‘Karaoke Singer’

X Factor’s Louis Walsh has spoken about his rift with Ronan Keating in a new interview, describing the singer as a karaoke artist.

Speaking to The Times’ magazine, the X Factor judge addressed his relationship with former Boyzone frontman Keating, stating that the pair are no longer on good terms.

The 61-year-old described Keating as a “little manufactured popstar who actually believed his own publicity”, adding: “Ronan thought he was George Michael… He said he didn’t want to be a karaoke artist. Well that’s what he is.”

Meanwhile, Walsh also revealed that he believes Simon Cowell deserves to be knighted, said that Gary Barlow’s weight gain had been the reason behind the demise in his career and also spoke about having a hair transplant.

The manager also publicly forgave journalist Jan Moir in the interview. Moir wrote a controversial piece at the time of former Boyzone member Stephen Gately’s death, in which she described the circumstances surrounding his passing as “more than a little sleazy”.

Walsh stated that Moir’s comments were “her opinion”, adding: “I think she’s a good journalist. I’ve met her since, and I like her.”

In the interview, Walsh also refused to comment on his sexuality, saying: “Don’t go there… Your private life is your private life.”

However, commenting on having a hair transplant, Walsh said that he had visited Sharon Osbourne’s plastic surgeon after a jibe from Cowell about his baldness.