Elvis would have loved X Factor

Elvis would have loved TV talent show X Factor, according to the his ex wife Priscilla Presley.

And she reveals the rock and roll icon, who would have been 80 on January 8, would have been open to any show which gave people the chance to make music and better their lives.

She tells Hello! magazine: “It’s very different to what he was used to but he always had an open mind to everything and he would be all for anyone having the chance to make a success of their lives and making a career.

“He was always happy to see young people – especially if they’d come from humble backgrounds like he did – finding a way to make something of their lives.”

Presley also reveals her dismay at the way in which some people remember The King and says it’s sad that he’s “been reduced to a caricature” since his death in 1977.

She continues: “He would have been the lovely, sensitive, authentic man he really was. People think they know Elvis, but my regret is that over the years his memory has sometimes been reduced to a caricature.

“The real Elvis was a man of great depth who really thought about things. He was very spiritual and he loved his family. He was the lavish showman too. but when he was at home he liked simple things like reading and listening to gospel music.”

An exhibition featuring 300 items owned by Elvis including his pink Cadillac and American Eagle jumpsuit is currently being held at the O2 Arena in London. It runs until the end of August 2015.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald newspapers, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.