I write in response to the letter regarding cruel judging in the South Coast Idol competition (Letters, January 31).

From my own experience as a judge, I was amazed to read the account of Jennie Christian.

I have never witnessed such a crass act as a fellow judge openly laughing at a contestant, least of all during the younger section of the competition.

As judges, an appreciation of art as a subjective form and a professional manner when giving contestants feedback are paramount.

A constructive approach towards aiding the development of an artist is imperative.

So it is unfair to brand us judges as cruel people who sneer at young people's dreams, although we do have a duty to make contestants aware of the harsh realities of the industry, whatever their age.

I'm not a fan of subjecting children to the current onslaught of such consumerist celebrity culture in any case, despite the South Coast Idol competition holding an under-17s category.

In this bizarre modern world, teenagers already have enough on their plate without bringing the extra issues of their "fifteen minutes of fame" into the equation.

Paul Mex
South Coast Idol judge,
Eaton Place,
Brighton