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Michelle McManus: 'Not Attractive Enough' for Pop
2 Apr
Summary
- Singer claims lack of male attraction derailed her pop career.
- McManus is grateful for the absence of social media during her rise.
- She stars in a new BBC documentary about singing for the Pope.
Michelle McManus, winner of Pop Idol's second series in 2003, recently stated that her perceived lack of attractiveness to men significantly impacted her pop career. During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, McManus, now 45, discussed her upcoming BBC documentary, 'Michelle McManus Sings for the Pope,' scheduled to air on April 3.
McManus expressed deep gratitude for the absence of social media during her time on Pop Idol. She explained that in the early 2000s, women who didn't fit conventional beauty standards were often overlooked by the industry, stating, 'we don't know what to do with you... you're not attractive enough.' She believes that without social media, she was shielded from damaging online commentary that could have severely affected her mental health.
Reflecting on her children's future, McManus, who is a practicing Catholic, supports banning social media for those under 16. She finds social media difficult to navigate herself and is concerned about its negative impact on young people. Her new documentary follows her on a pilgrimage from Glasgow to Rome, where she will perform a new hymn titled 'Because' at two significant events attended by Pope Leo.
The documentary aims to showcase McManus's personal journey of faith and music. BBC Scotland's commissioning executive, Steve Allen, described the program as a "powerful" and "uplifting" viewing experience, particularly fitting for the Easter period. McManus previously shared her excitement about singing the hymn for an organization's anniversary and then taking it to Rome, calling it a great honor.
