Molly gets a bit tough
The Eye
February 24, 2004
WITH its raft of new shows tanking in the ratings, all eyes will be on the premiere of Channel 7's Popstars Live tomorrow night.
As viewers baulk at the glut of reality shows hitting our screens, the pressure will be on Popstars Live to defy the trend and live up to the standard set by last year's hit Australian Idol.
But the show has had its share of drama before making it to our screens, with reports of a major rift between judges Molly Meldrum and Tania Doko.
One story even had the music guru driving Doko to tears.
Meldrum, who is holidaying in Bangkok, confirmed the pair had clashed.
"It got serious. Without a doubt, it got serious," he said.
"We have creative differences of what we personally think is talent. And there were clashes.
"I guess we're still friends. I hope so."
Meldrum said he fought with the entire panel (rounded out by John Paul Young and Christine Anu) when it came to deciding who should stay and who should go.
But with his old Countdown sparring partner JPY, it was all good-natured.
"We've been around the block and back again, so when we hurl whatever at each other, we laugh at it later," Meldrum said.
After auditions around the country, the judges and 60 hopefuls were holed up together for a week at a Popstars "boot camp" designed to narrow the field to a handful of finalists.
Meldrum said he was apprehensive about what kind of talent the show would present, but he's been pleasantly surprised.
"Already, there has been a recording contract signed and a publishing deal signed," he said.
Despite his rocky start, Meldrum insists he's not going to be the Nasty Judge.
"I'm sure Tania and Christine would say otherwise," he laughed.
"They would think I'm Simon Cowell and Dicko rolled up into one."
Popstars Live premieres tomor row night at 7.30pm.
POOR Molly just has no luck.
After his run-in with US immigration officials, he had a near-disaster in Bangkok this week.
Meldrum left his passport in a shop, but only noticed it missing when the friendly shopkeeper saw him walk past hours later and recognised him.
A grateful Molly left the guy a tip and thanked his lucky stars.
Herald Sun
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