Woman Criticized for Weight Is 'Pop Idol'

abcnews: Scottish woman who'd been told she was too large to be a "Pop Idol" was crowned the winner of the British talent show.

Michelle McManus, who weighs 211 pounds, fought off criticism from judges on the show and gibes in some of the tabloid newspapers to win the majority of votes from viewers on the final night of competition Saturday.

Earlier in the final program, fellow judge Simon Cowell had praise for McManus.

"If you weren't in the final it would be quite boring," Cowell said before the vote was announced. "You have broken the norm and made it interesting. I'm interested, I'm very proud."

Some excellent foreign coverage of the situation: Fat lady sings her way to a fairytale ending, Pop Idol Michelle Proves Size Doesn't Matter, Pop Idol's 'Big Girl with the Big Voice' and Pop Idol winner is 'role model'.

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