No Weirdness For ‘Happy Boys Voice’

Tears, wild hair, and unhealthy songs will be not be permitted when a program very similar to "American Idol" is aired in China next month, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

"No weirdness, no vulgarity, no low taste," the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television said April 6th in a notice to the producers of "Happy Boys Voice."

The talent show, which starts May 1st, is a sequel to the hugely popular TV contest "Super Girls Voice," first aired in 2005. That show drew more than 400 million viewers, and the woman who won became a popular singer in China.

But the competition drew official and public criticism for promoting vulgarity, Xinhua said.

"Happy Boys Voice" should include only "healthy and ethically inspiring’" songs and avoid scenes of screaming fans or losing contestants breaking down in tears," the regulator was quoted saying. The show should "maintain a happy atmosphere," SARFT said in the notice to the show’s producer, a television station in the central

province of Hunan. Scenes of wailing and screaming were of "low taste."

In addition, the broadcast watchdog said judges were prohibited "from mocking or humiliating contestants," who must be at least 18. Xinhua also said "their hairstyles, clothes, fashion accessories, language, and manners should be in line with mainstream values."

Hunan TV President Ouyang Changlin said the station would abide by the rules.