Courting Controversy

PROJECT SUPERSTAR has officially commenced competition only a week ago, but there's already a certain amount of rumpus surrounding (at least) two of its contestants...

Busy Bee: NTU undergrad Tay Kewei made it to the Top 24 short list, but was shown the door faster than you could sing F.I.R.'s Get High.

The lowdown: This pretty and petite 22-year-old frequently reported late for auditions and studio recordings, and the producers decided it was time to cut her loose. (I believe she's the first PSS contestant to ever get disqualified.)

On the bright side: She may not need the competition to further herself in the (local) music scene. Already a competent soloist and Project DIYer, the former Dongli 88.3FM DJ's currently touring the world with Taiwanese pop virtuoso David Tao as his backup vocalist.

Media Monger?: TMC business undergrad Averil Chan survived the first round of elimination (she's now in Top 20), but can she survive the media backlash?

The lowdown: This camera-friendly sweetie pie, also 22, incurred the wrath of one 'street eyebrow plucker' named Steven Lim (yes, that Steven Lim) when the latter was convinced she's out to tarnish his 'reputation' and wreck his 'rice bowl'...it's a long story, folks.

On the bright side: She may not have to deal with him much longer - or at all. His little tirade on YouTube, swearing on God's name and cursing his own entire family to the grave(!), only serves to negate his 'case' - if he had any in the first place.