Three star

POP Idol and Fame Academy's older and uglier relative has reared its head in the form of Reborn in the USA.

Not a Bruce Springsteen tribute band but a mutant hybrid of 'reality TV' and a talent contest featuring a group of singers, many of whom haven't had a hit since Britney and Christina were in nappies, who fancy another stab at stardom.

The album serves two purposes - it reminds us which of the singers should never have had a hit in the first place (stand up Gina G, your number's up), and those who have stood the test of time.

Hats off to Tony Hadley and Peter Cox for leading the way with great versions of Walking in Memphis and Me and Mrs Jones - fantastic singers who have no doubt scored themselves a new army of (mainly female) fans.

Also to Elkie Brooks for Love Letters and Haydon Eshun for Misty Blue, although points deducted for a particularly murderous Wonderful Tonight.

Leee John and Michelle Gayle just about cut it but it's a case of nice try but no cigar for Sonia, Dollar and Gina G.

It's doubtful true fans would fork out for an album featuring their favourite singer covering a maximum of only three songs.

MC