A TEENAGE singing sensation has lifted the lid on the real life antics behind the hit TV series Pop Idol.

Louise Allen, who has been passionate about singing since she was a child, was delighted to make it through the first hurdle of the auditions for the new ITV1 show.

The 17-year-old was asked to return for a second audition in Manchester and performed the song "Light Up my Life" by Leanne Rimes.

But she was told her choice of song and outfit were unsuitable and was sent home feeling heartbroken.

Now, Louise, who has a one-year-old baby girl and lives in Market Street, Stoneclough, says she has been astonished to see Pop Idol on television -- there is no footage of the initial audition process everyone had to go through with a different set of judges from those featured in the series.

The former Tottington High School pupil alleges that performers were asked to perform in front of the TV panel of judges, only if they were exceptionally good or absolutely appalling.

She adds she was also shocked to find "Nasty" Nigel Lythgoe on the judging panel for both of her auditions -- yet he has not featured in the TV series.

She said: "The really bad singers make good television.

"But they would have had to sing in front of a panel of judges before getting through to the room with TV judges."

A spokesman from Thames Television, which makes 'Pop Idol', said: "Nigel Lythgoe is an executive producer and has been part of the judging process.

"There were 10,000 people wanting to take part and we wanted everyone to have a chance, but it was impossible for the panel to see all 10,000 people and some would have been seen by executive producers instead."

Louise has not been disheartened by her experience and has now been spotted by a talent scout after performing in a karaoke competition in St Helen's. SPILLING THE BEANS: Louise Allen hits out at TV's Pop Idol