| Pop Idol’s Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, and his acid-tongued fellow judges got a taste of their own medicine today — from a Dundee politician.
Dundee East MP Iain Luke described the criticism handed out to some contestants — on occasion reducing the wannabe pop-stars to tears — as “discriminatory and unfair”, writes Steven Bell.
Mr Luke is among a group of Scottish MPs who have put down an official parliamentary motion condemning the judges on the TV show for their comments.
“A few of us in the Scottish group are a bit concerned about the criteria and about comments made about some of the contestants,” said the Dundee MP today.
“At times they talk about physical appearance, and if somebody is wearing the wrong thing, or not the right shape, they are seen as rejects, even if they have talent,” said Mr Luke.
“It’s very discriminatory and unfair. With young people these days it’s all about image, but we’ve got to look beyond that.”
Mr Luke acknowledged the show was popular and “people will defend it”, but argued a higher standard should be set.
The MPs, led by Renfrewshire West’s Jim Sheridan, are calling on Pop Idol judges to make their decisions based on talent not just looks.
The MPs’ Early Day Motion on the Commons Order paper, sent to all ministers, MPs and senior civil servants, said, “We condemn the irresponsible comments of the so-called music experts on this programme when passing judgments on young performers.
“Pressurising young people and women, in particular, to conform to fit the mould sends out the wrong message, not only to the participants but to other talented youngsters who may also have aspirations to progress in the music industry.
“We further believe, that contestants should be judged solely on their unique singing talents and not on preconceived images, and therefore, call on the self-appointed image-makers to break the mould which could be denying those who enjoy listening to quality music that opportunity.”
The MPs feel strongly enough about the issue that, in addition to the Early Day Motion, Tony Blair’s thoughts on the programme may be sought at Prime Minister’s Questions.
Pop Idol, which launched the careers of Will Young and Gareth Gates, returned to TV screens this summer for a second series. |
