I’m not one to follow shows such as X factor, NZ Idol or the voice, but the wife is a fan, She especially called me into the TV lounge to watch an announcement on tonight’s episode of X Factor New Zealand that two of the judges had been fired.
The two judges, husband and wife team Natalia Kills and Willy Moon were fired after Kills’ tirade over the appearance of one of the contestants, who she claimed was ripping off her husband’s identity. Whether or not you agree that it’s a rip off (i don’t, he simply looks like someone wearing a suit), isn’t imitation a form of flattery in the entertainment industry?
Controversy is one way to ensure improve ratings, but apparently Hills’ comments were too much for MediaWorks who fired them five hours before tonight’s show. Chief executive Mark Weldon made this statement:
“Last night on X Factor both Kills and Moon made comments that were completely unacceptable. While the judges on X Factor are expected to provide critiques of the performances, we will not tolerate such destructive tirades from any of the judges. Contestants put their all into this competition and they should expect to receive feedback and criticism that is professional and constructive. We no longer have confidence that Kills and Moon are the right people to perform the role of X Factor judges and they will leave the show, effective immediately.”
Natalia Kills tirade:
Hills’ tirade was was as bad as a fundamental Christian might rage against an atheist, or a religion hating atheist might rage against Christianity. That is not the way to win friends and influence people. Personally, I feel such outbursts are never appropriate. Disapproval could have been conveyed more effectively in a reasoned and polite manner.
16 March, 2015 at 8:53 pm
After that tirade they shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near people, let alone hopefuls who looked up to them. What a pair of bullies… and as you and many social network sites have pointed out, I don’t think Mr Moon’s look of man in slick suit is original, nor ‘his’ (crooners had this years ago, as did Westlife and Robbie Williams, Michael Bubble, Sam Smith…) . A totally inappropriate couple (particularly given the target market of the show).
16 March, 2015 at 10:58 pm
“they shouldn’t be allowed near people” A very good way of saying it.
17 March, 2015 at 12:22 am
I’ve just learnt that Moon also berated a woman in public the other day including use of the “c” word because she got to a parking space he wanted. It seems Moon hasn’t realised that there’s been a change in the give way rules since he left NZ.
He has been continuing the tirade on twitter, repeating the “c” word, calling the woman “Not only a **** but a lying **** “. Hills has joined in using similar language. Good riddance to both of them in my view.
16 March, 2015 at 11:57 pm
WTH Barry! Does her husband have a monopoly on the suit, hairstyle and look? That was totally uncalled for. Immature to say the least.
17 March, 2015 at 12:11 am
I think any conservatively dressed male in a suit looks somewhat like the contestant. I didn’t see anything that shouted out “imitating Willy Moon”.
17 March, 2015 at 12:14 am
How did she manage to stay so long on the show with such an attitude?
17 March, 2015 at 7:00 am
I believe that was the first and only such outburst on the show.
17 March, 2015 at 1:04 am
That’s petty mild compared to the abusive language used by judges over here in North America. Which is exactly why I don’t and won’t watch the show. The “professional and constructive” behaviour comment by the producers is a joke. The judges here are seldom either of those. I feel so bad for some of the contestants who give their best and are verbally abused. It is gross. It is nice to see that at least in NZ, some standards are expected.
17 March, 2015 at 7:08 am
Sure, it’s a competition between judges as well as between contestants, but that was downright offensive. Constructive criticism is one thing, that was another entirely.
The show goes to air in the early evening, and if that standard of behaviour was the norm, it’s ratings would be even lower than they are.