Runner-up claims ‘Star’ winner got special treatment
Finalist James Kilbane claimed Mr Doran’s song was put together by a professional Westlife team in a professional studio. Mr Kilbane’s, meanwhile, was created in-house in RTÉ.
RTÉ refused to be dragged into the controversy, insisting that there was a level playing pitch for both players at all times.
Mr Kilbane complained about “preferential treatment” given to Mr Doran in the mixing of backing tracks.
A number of days were spent honing and perfecting Mr Doran’s track by professional producers who have worked for Westlife and The Corrs.
Mr Kilbane, who was not offered such facilities or expertise, complained on Mayo local radio yesterday that all performers on You’re A Star should operate on a level playing pitch.
“There are questions to be answered,” the Mayo-born singer maintained.
“If I had won the final I would still be asking these questions. There is a gaping hole here.”
Denying there were any “sour grapes” on his part, Mr Kilbane congratulated Chris Doran on his win and said he had been a worthy winner.
More than 896,000 viewers tuned into the live You’re A Star finale on Saturday and the results show on Sunday.
RTÉ has revealed more viewers tuned into Sunday night’s results show than for any other programme on RTÉ this year.
The top ratings had station coffers jingling as close to a million fans either texted or phoned in their votes at a minimum cost of 60 cent each.
RTÉ refused last night to reveal the exact amount of votes received, saying it was “commercially sensitive information.”
A station spokesperson would not say how the €600,000-plus would be divided among 02, who managed text calls; phonovation, who were in charge of voice call votes, Shinavil, the production company behind the show and the station itself.
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