I thought this was a rather intriguing story to hit my mailbox this morning…perhaps even one of my Muusers could enter?

Simon Fuller–the media mogul behind the Spice Girls, American Idol, S Club 7, Cathy Dennis, Mini Viva and more–is teaming up with Universal Records and MySpace to start up a talent search for the next big boy band.

The project, called The Boys Are Back in Town, is now live and looking for talent between the ages of 16 and 21 to enter and become “the next global music sensation.” According to the website, winners will be flown out to London to take part in a live audition in November.

Normally I’d scoff at this, but it is Simon Fuller we’re talking about. Is this the beginning of a new mega-band? I don’t know, but it better damn well involve Xenomania.

I don’t often rant on my blog. In fact, I almost never have. But I thought I would take a moment to acknowledge a rant well past due. This one arrives in lieu of the recent charting of Katy Perry‘s “I Kissed A Girl.” First, I’ll accept: “I Kissed A Girl” is a whirlwind of catchy riffs, biting lyrics, and an incredible vocal performance. Simply a killer track, thanks to Max Martin and Cathy Dennis, production masterminds. Love it, musically speaking.

Sadly, it is the singer behind the song that restricts me from going on any further in singing my praises. Not for this one, but her last single, “Ur So Gay,” (see video here; brace for attention seeking references to modern things to resonate within her pre-pubescent fan base) which may well be one of the most offensive songs I’ve heard in recent times. Now don’t get me wrong–I am far from being an advocate of political correctness. Call me a nasty name–I really don’t give a shit. But take one quick look at the lyrics of this brash, little kiss-off to her ex, and you’ll notice how horridly demeaning the song truly is:

“I hope you hang yourself with your H&M scarf / While jacking off listening to Mozart / You bitch and moan about LA / Wishing you were in the rain reading Hemingway / You’re so gay / And you don’t even like boys.”

So her man’s not man enough for her. Super. Then she goes down the line of “queer” things that he does. Fantastic. Then she comes in with that chorus line, and that’s where you’ve lost not only my interest, but my respect. He’s so gay? What is that, like a curse? Please.

Look at it this way, because it’s very much the same situation. What if the lyrics clambered on about stereotypical characteristics of blacks, and ended with “You’re so black / But your skin’s not even black.” She’d be chewed up alive! (Though to be fair, the chorus doesn’t really have that same rhythm in this version, but…you get the point.) This is stereotyping meant to be seen as negative.

The song’s nothing more than an unnecessary aid in switching the label “gay” from orientation to curse. It’s immature. Straight from the middle school pages. And it’s simply not fair to do this. I’m sorry, but this is one of my causes. You want to take the piss out of your flamboyant fellow? Delightful. Now leave my orientation out of it. Besides, your track isn’t nearly catchy enough to begin with.

Perry’s too new to the scene to be pulling that kind of stunt anyway. I guess you could look back to her failed solo career as a former Christian Rock artist, but that makes her current stream of singles all the more ironic now, doesn’t it? Little girl couldn’t make it as a Godly little songstress, so she went ahead and dirtied it up to get a few spins. Can’t say I blame her, but I sure as hell won’t support her.
I don’t care what Madonna said about the track. As far as I’m concerned? I think Perry’s a pig.