Editorial: Too many kills just mean

Unlike judges Natalia Kills and Willie Moon, Co-Lab deserves another shot, says Craig Cooper.

The cracks that started showing in sacked X-Factor judge Natalia Kills' scrutiny of contestants were evident when she critiqued Whangarei band Co-Lab.

I like seeing Northlanders do well, and took an interest in Whangarei band Co-Lab's appearance on X Factor.

Co-Lab appeared on the show as an acoustic trio, and made it to the Boot Camp phase.

They were then selected for the finals, by judge and group mentor Willy Moon. His wife and fellow judge, Natalia Kills, had strenuously urged him to not pick Co-Lab - for whatever reason she decided she didn't like them. There was no constructive criticism. Just an emphatic "no".

Moon picked Co-Lab. Kills was not impressed.

Not long after, Moon swapped Co-Lab for another band, and the Whangarei boys' dream was over. Kills was entitled to her view. But it was apparent then that she saw things very differently from her other judges.

As she did on Sunday night when she humiliated contestant Joe Irvine for what she saw as the mimicking of her husband Moon.

Irvine did not deserve Kills' vicious tirade.

Ironic too, as neither Kills nor Moon are purveyors of a particular unique musical or fashion style. Controversial judges on X-Factor are nothing new - Simon Cowell has made a career out of being the "bad cop". He has a track record of identifying talent, though, and offers constructive views, as well as his bold opinion.

Irvine did not deserve what he got from Kills on Sunday. It was mean.

Her employer agreed and Kills and husband Moon, who was also made harsh comments, are gone.

And as for Co-Lab, Moon wasn't responsible for their departure, Kills was.

Co-Lab were the victims of poor judgment - it's a shame because, unlike the two sacked judges, they deserve another shot.