Jake Bugg has slammed the BRIT Awards and 'American Idol'.

The 20-year-old singer, who performed at the 6 Music Festival in Manchester yesterday (02.03.14), missed out on the award for Best Male Solo artist at the BRITs last month but insists he wasn't bothered and thought the ceremony was ''really boring.''

He told BBC Newsbeat backstage in Manchester: ''I don't mind losing out to David Bowie but how can you have a category with him in it and four people that have made one or two albums?''

The 'Lightning Bolt' hitmaker also had a dig at boy band One Direction, who won the award for Global Success, along with Best British Video for 'Best Song Ever'.

Speaking about the Global Success gong, Jake said: ''To make up an award just so One Direction win it and turn up is a bit wrong but that's it, it's showbusiness.''

The singer recently performed on 'American Idol' to promote his new album 'Shangri-La' and although he defended his appearance he claims the programme is ''cruel''.

Jake said: ''It's something a bit different for the kids on those shows'', before slating the way the contestants are treated.

He explained: ''It was quite sad. We went on just before they said to the contestant 'yeah you're not through' and she was really heartbroken.

''It's cruel. It's like thanks for coming on the show but you'll never get a record contract. It's the dream smasher, that's what it is, the dream smasher.''