American Idol charity record opts for patriotic songs

LONDON - Contestants on 'American Idol', the US version of 'Pop Idol', have dumped the originally chosen tunes for a charity record in favour of patriotic US songs, including 'God Bless the USA'.

It follows Madonna's decision yesterday to withdraw a promotional video for her latest single, after reportedly saying it was "inappropriate" at a time of war. The video for her new song 'American Life', showed the star dressed in combats and has a grenade thrown towards a President Bush lookalike.

The 'American Idol' stars are recording the songs for a charity single. Alongside 'God Bless the USA', the would-be stars will also sing 'I'm Proud to Be an American'.

They had been scheduled to sing the Burt Bacharach-Hal David song, 'What the World Needs Now is Love'. The two songs will make up a double A-side being to be released later this month by RCA Records.

The change of heart comes against a rising tide of patriotic feeling in the US as its troops, along with their British and Australian allies, fight to topple Saddam Hussein and his regime.

Richard Sanders, an executive at RCA Records, said: "They got such an overwhelming, positive response from viewers for doing those songs that we decided to release them as the 'American Idol' charity single."

The competition includes British judge Simon Cowell, famous for his caustic comments. He has been judging the programme alongside Americans Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

The withdrawal of the Madonna video follows accusations that she was "anti-Bush". She said she was "pro-peace". Many high-profile stars have come out against the war including, most notably, fictional 'West Wing' president Martin Sheen.

In a statement, Madonna said: "It was filmed before the war started and I do not believe it is appropriate to air it at this time. Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video."

In the UK, many singers have come out against the war including Ms Dynamite and Coldplay's Chris Martin, who was recently slammed by Liam Gallagher of Oasis for protesting against the war while taking part in a benefit gig for children suffering from cancer.

Last year, George Michael ran into trouble for his single Shoot the Dog, which showed a cartoon Tony Blair as a poodle on the White House lawn. The single disappeared without a trace and Michael was attacked on both sides of the Atlantic.

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