MISTER HICKS... GET IN HERE

The apparent response of Justin Timberlake to Taylor Hicks' victory in American Idol - to the effect that Hicks couldn't carry a "tune in a bucket" - sent Justin's care team rushing out with a denial:

"Justin would never say anything that personal about someone he's never met. He only wishes him the best."

Well, we believe them. It's unlikely that as well oiled a machine as Timberlake would say anything vaguely interesting about anyone.

But surely being critical of somebody's singing isn't a personal attack, but a professional one? After all, if you said to a butcher 'the way you slice a chop is rather poor', you're not actually launching a go at his character or personality, are you?

music taylor hicks american idol justin timberlake