Linda
02-03-2004, 03:53 PM
Woman Criticized for Weight Is 'Pop Idol'
Scottish Woman Criticized for Her Weight Crowned Winner of British Talent Show 'Pop Idol'
LONDON Dec. 22 — A Scottish woman who'd been told she was too large to be a "Pop Idol" was crowned the winner of the British talent show.
Michelle McManus, who weighs 211 pounds, fought off criticism from judges on the show and gibes in some of the tabloid newspapers to win the majority of votes from viewers on the final night of competition Saturday.
"I just want to say thanks and to everyone who said I couldn't do it, I've done it," the tearful 23-year-old said after being named the winner.
McManus became a late favorite after receiving criticism for her looks.
The British Press Association reported that one of the three judges, music producer Pete Waterman, stormed off the London set after the final vote was announced. Waterman had argued previously against letting McManus proceed to the public vote section of the competition because of her size. His exit from the studio was not shown to television viewers.
Earlier in the final program, fellow judge Simon Cowell had praise for McManus.
"If you weren't in the final it would be quite boring," Cowell said before the vote was announced. "You have broken the norm and made it interesting. I'm interested, I'm very proud."
A record 10.26 million people voted for the winner. Organizers didn't immediately provide a breakdown for the vote between McManus and runner-up Mark Rhodes.
The winner of the first "Pop Idol" series in 2002, Will Young, is to take part in the "World Idol" competition along with winners from 10 other countries, including "American Idol" Kelly Clarkson. The international competition will air around the world on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/ap20031222_1015.html
Scottish Woman Criticized for Her Weight Crowned Winner of British Talent Show 'Pop Idol'
LONDON Dec. 22 — A Scottish woman who'd been told she was too large to be a "Pop Idol" was crowned the winner of the British talent show.
Michelle McManus, who weighs 211 pounds, fought off criticism from judges on the show and gibes in some of the tabloid newspapers to win the majority of votes from viewers on the final night of competition Saturday.
"I just want to say thanks and to everyone who said I couldn't do it, I've done it," the tearful 23-year-old said after being named the winner.
McManus became a late favorite after receiving criticism for her looks.
The British Press Association reported that one of the three judges, music producer Pete Waterman, stormed off the London set after the final vote was announced. Waterman had argued previously against letting McManus proceed to the public vote section of the competition because of her size. His exit from the studio was not shown to television viewers.
Earlier in the final program, fellow judge Simon Cowell had praise for McManus.
"If you weren't in the final it would be quite boring," Cowell said before the vote was announced. "You have broken the norm and made it interesting. I'm interested, I'm very proud."
A record 10.26 million people voted for the winner. Organizers didn't immediately provide a breakdown for the vote between McManus and runner-up Mark Rhodes.
The winner of the first "Pop Idol" series in 2002, Will Young, is to take part in the "World Idol" competition along with winners from 10 other countries, including "American Idol" Kelly Clarkson. The international competition will air around the world on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/ap20031222_1015.html