TORONTO – Canadian Idol executive producer John Brunton took the unusual step Thursday to complain publicly about how viewers are affecting his show.
"Last night’s elimination of three competitors from this year’s Canadian Idol Top 22 is disgraceful," said Brunton in a strongly-worded press release. "Toronto lost half of its competitors in one night, and 75% of the eliminated competitors were from our city. These were three great young singers – any one of which would have made a fantastic Top 10 competitor.
Each year, more people come out to audition in Toronto than in any other city, noted the Idol release. Each year, Canadian Idol judges select more people from Toronto to be in the top 22 than any other city. "But no competitor from Toronto has made it to the Top 10 since Season One, four years ago, and that’s pathetic," complained Brunton.
"I’m not really supposed to do this. I’m supposed to be impartial. But as a born and bred Torontonian, I’m fed up with the lack of attention and respect paid to the bright, young singers from Toronto. They deserve more. It should not be a disadvantage to be a Canadian Idol competitor from Toronto," he continued.
Saying the country is buzzing about Canadian Idol and the success of their hometown heroes, Torontonians are just not paying attention.
"This isn’t about regional voting. Each competitor needs the support of the entire country to move forward in the competition. But hometown pride also plays a huge role. To know that your hometown is cheering for you makes a difference," Brunton continued.
There are three competitors left from Toronto – and one from Hamilton – "and I hope everyone in this great city of ours does all that they can to support them next week," he concluded.
