Waxed Idol

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Simon Cowell as the wax idol

The look is unmistakable. Deadpan face, complete boredom, chin resting on hand and a roll of the eyes.

Many Pop Idol contestants have suffered the reaction of TV judge Simon Cowell as they step forward to receive praise and are stung instead by a withering put-down.

Now you don't have to queue hours for auditions or sing in front of millions to share the experience - thanks to Madame Tussaud's in London, which has installed a lifelike talking waxwork of Cowell in a replice Pop Idol studio.

Visitors choose from 13 songs, including Frank Sinatra's My Way and the Tom Jones classic It's Not Unusual.

Special technology in the judge's waxwork determines whether the singer is in tune, triggering one of a repetoire of Cowell-esque responses.

Annalisa Hoadley, from Paddington, Central London, was the first to try out the new attraction.

The 22-year-old's rendition of Robbie Williams' Angels failed to impress. 'That was my favourite song of all time. Not any more,' said the waxwork.

She said afterwards: 'It really feels just like being on the TV programme and he is just as nasty. I was pretty nervous actually.'

She added: 'It's not like karaoke. There's a lot more people, there's a stage and you are not in a pub, drunk.'

For added authenticity, there are also waxworks of the show's Geordie presenters Ant and Dec.

But the attraction, fitted with rolling eyes, fails to mirror real life in one key respect - on the orders of TV's richest man.

Cowell, who is often lampooned for tucking his jumpers into his highwaisted trousers, stipulated his alterego should wear his top out.

Diane Moon, Madame Tussaud's spokesman, said the music magnate, who spent ten hours posing for sculptors, wanted the waxwork to reflect his new style of dress.

 

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