Now the boss of MTV Europe - Brent Hansen - has spoken out against manufactured pop saying the public "will get sick of identikit bands" and that the industry needed to take a longer-term view on the development of artists. "The difficulty is when you start to get very cynical about putting together paint-by-number identikit bands," he told reporters. "You then tend to devalue the face of performing arts. The proliferation of them will, I think, turn the public against that style of band for a little while."
He also reckons record labels need to learn that if they want artists with long term or international value then quick-win teen bands aren't effective. "We would encourage people to take a longer-term view on the development of artists. That is the only way you are going to create the next wave of superstars who will give you a sense of solidarity behind your label."
Hansen joins pop stars Kylie and Robbie Williams in slating the reality TV model of finding and promoting new bands.