Olympic rage over commentary

CHANNEL 9 has defended its Olympic closing ceremony telecast, after copping a spray for too much talk.

Eddie McGuire and Leila McKinnon were slammed by News Limited readers and social media for speaking over music performances.
McGuire and McKinnon spoke over songs by music stars including George Michael, Kate Bush, and One Direction.
Ninety-four per cent of voters on a News Limited poll said the commentary spoiled the closing ceremony.
Channel 9 has dismissed the criticism, saying it is pleased with all aspects of its Olympics coverage, including the closing ceremony.
"We are really happy with the overall response to the Olympics and the ratings numbers," a Nine spokesperson said.
But many readers disagreed, one saying "it drove me nuts" and another that "sometimes less is better".
Angry Tweets included "Less is more Eddie" and "Coming up, Leila McKinnon and Eddie McGuire will no doubt ruin another Olympic ceremony by talking over the Spice Girls".
 The hash tag #shutupeddie has flown social media all day.
Meanwhile, George Michael was slated on social media for following his classic 'Freedom 90' with a brand new song instead of crowd-pleasing hits like 'Faith' or 'Careless Whisper'.
Kylie Minogue's musical director Steve Anderson Tweeted: "He's gone from killing it to you know, actually killing it...not the time for new single promo George."
Pop star Boy George was one of many Tweeters criticising what appeared to be a reliance on lip-synching at the event.
Boy George tweeted during long-time rival George Michael's performance "Mime of the century".
The Culture Club star then clarified "Everyone f--- off! Like you, I helped pay for this charade and I will say what the f--- I f---ing like!"
After being accused of bitterness for not being asked to perform, Boy George tweeted: "It was kinda cooler not to be there! Like most things! Least you can't accuse me of miming! Lol!"
Dubstep artist Nero said "Are they really letting George Michael mime his new single at the Olympics? This whole closing ceremony has been so lame."
White Light, which was released last week, is Michael's song about his near-death battle with illness last year.
Kiwi journo Russell Brown tweeted: "And now to get the party started, it's George Michael's song about not dying of pneumonia".
The closing ceremony featured a reunion by the Spice Girls, Yoko Ono supplying rare John Lennon footage for use during 'Imagine', Liam Gallagher performing Oasis' 'Wonderwall', Russell Brand inexplicably singing the Beatles' 'I Am the Walrus', Pet Shop Boys performing 'West End Girls' and Ed Sheeran singing Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here' with Floyd drummer Nick Mason.
The heavily-pregnant Adele did not perform at the event and David Bowie and Kate Bush, also rumoured to perform, had their songs played instead.
Robbie Williams reportedly did not perform with Take That as his wife is due to give birth.
The showcase of British music ranged from boy band One Direction to British rock icons The Who and Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen.
A 44-track double album of songs from the closing ceremony has been released digitally today - it contains George Michael's White Light but not Freedom 90.

heraldsun.com.au  13 Aug 2012

A disgraceful performance by the presenters, but as in typical corporate media fashion, nothing wrong can be done by them, even though the masses think otherwise.