The second series of the US version of Pop Idol premiered last night with another flood of pop wannabes putting themselves up for some Simon Cowell criticism in return for the chance of stardom.
Talking about this year’s contenders judge Paula Abdul told reporters: “I think the talent is better this time, I really do. I think some of these contestants have a real unique sound and they're true to staying focused on that and not compromising. It's going to be interesting. It's a whole different ball of wax."
Fellow judge Randy Jackson added: “It's definitely a wild, eclectic bunch of kids. There's something for everybody in this bunch. There's two or three I'm pulling for, but I wanna see what America is going to vote for, 'cause you ain't seen nothing like this."
As previously reported a second series of Pop Idol in the UK is looking unlikely as media insiders reckon the backlash against reality pop bands would affect viewing figures.