ITV has been accused of “political correctness gone mad” after changing a lyric to a well-known song on All Star Musicals.
Comedian and presenter Joel Dommett took on Corny Collins’ song Nicest Kids in Town from hit musical Hairspray.
![This image is strictly embargoed until 22.30 Thursday 14th March 2019 From ITV Studios All Star Musicals on ITV Pictured: Joel Dommett performs. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052](https://cdn.entertainmentdaily.com/2019/03/18123026/all_star_musicals_40.jpg)
The lyrics feature the line: “And once a month we have negro day”, but last night Joel sang “once a month we have party day” instead.
Fans weren’t impressed with the change and couldn’t understand why ITV had done it.
![This image is strictly embargoed until 22.30 Thursday 14th March 2019 From ITV Studios All Star Musicals on ITV Pictured: Joel Dommett performs. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052](https://cdn.entertainmentdaily.com/2019/03/18123017/all_star_musicals_39.jpg)
In it lead character teenager Tracy Turnblad is fighting for integration.
After Joel’s performance, disgruntled viewers vented their frustration with the decision on Twitter.
#AllStarMusicals political correctness gone mad when they change the word ‘negro’ in nicest kids. Racial inequality is a major theme in hairspray! Not offensive in context!
— lianne o’donnell (@lianne_donnell) March 17, 2019
Why did they change the words to Nicest Kids in Town? Why remove “Negro Day” that’s the whole point of the show! #AllStarMusicals
— Steve Locklin MIH (@SteveLocklin) March 17, 2019
But negro is like saying caucasian. It’s not offensive or racist. They are mixing it up with a different n-word. No one can complain about @ITV using the actual lyrics in the song. #AllStarMusicals
— Iggy Zaver (@IggyZaver) March 17, 2019
Hey @ITV why did you change the line ‘negro day’ to ‘party day’?
You do know a key theme of Hair spray is civil rights and segregation right?#AllStarMusicals
— Tom Vamos (@tomvamos) March 17, 2019
Can’t believe they just swapped the line “once a month we have our negro day” to “once a month we have our party day” on #AllStarMusicals 🙈🙈🙈
— Milly (@millymouse_x) March 17, 2019
Why did they change the words to the Hairspray song? Yes I know the word “negro” isn’t a good word but there’s a reason that word is in the song. 🤷🤷 #AllStarMusicals x
— Siobhan #SaveTimeless 🇬🇬 (@slinehan1) March 17, 2019
The show saw John Barrowman host as six celebs took to the stage to sing hits from the musicals.
West End legend Elaine Paige, Strictly’s Kevin Clifton, Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, and Aladdin star Trevor Dion Nicholas were handing out the scores.
Coronation Street’s Daniel Brocklebank, broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh, money expert Martin Lewis, Only Fools and Horses actress Tessa Peake Jones, I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp host Joel Dommett, comedian London Hughes, and Emmerdale actress Amy Walsh all took to the stage to impress.
Read more: All Star Musicals’ London Hughes sends John Barrowman flying as she admits crush on judge
After high praise from the judges for his performance of From Now On from The Greatest Showman, and a maximum 20 stars out of 20, Corrie’s Daniel was crowned the winner.
Ent Daily has contacted ITV for comment.
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