Sir Elton slams "racist" viewers

Sir Elton John has branded viewers of "American Idol" racist, after a black singer was voted off the show.

15:59 28 April 2004

Sir Elton John has branded viewers of "American Idol" racist, after a black singer was voted off the show.

"The three people I was really impressed with . . . just happened to be black, young, female singers," he said.

"They have great voices. The fact that they're constantly in the bottom three - and I don't want to set myself up here - but I find it incredibly racist."

Jennifer Hudson, whilst widely tipped to win the TV talent show, lost out after polling the fewest votes from a US audience.

Her shock removal from the programme saw Ryan Seacrest, host of the show, remind viewers that the goal of the contest was to spot talent and not a popularity contest.

"America, don't forget you have to vote for the talent. You cannot let talent like this slip through the cracks," he asserted.

Sir Elton appeared on the programme earlier this month as a guest judge - and said at the time Ms Hudson was one of his favourite contestants.

American Idol's makers Fox Television refused to comment.

However, the last series of "American Idol" was won by black singer Ruben Studdard.