James Blunt recalls harrowing experience with the British Army in Kosovo: 'It was just too violent and too ugly'

James Blunt has faced things far scarier in his life than Twitter trolls and terrible TV talent show hopefuls.

The X Factor judge talked to Sunday Night about his experiences as a captain in the British Army years before he scored his breakthrough pop hit with 2005's 'You're Beautiful'.

Watch the video above to see footage from James' 1999 assignment in Kosovo and to hear him reliving that pre-stardom chapter of his life.

James, 41, served in the British Army from 1996 to 2002, three years before he became a pop star. He has emerged as one of the best reasons to watch The X Factor this season because of his witty commentary and is known for his biting comebacks on social media.

An example: