Tina in the third degree

“Is that the reason why you’re singing a Tina song? Be honest,” asked Tina Arena last night during the London-based Australian Idol auditions.

Aussie-expat Kate James had just sung a less than spectacular version of ‘Chains’ -not the brightest of moves, really.

But it was Darren Hayes who summed up a rather bizarre pop culture moment.

“I love it when Tina refers to herself in the third person!” he exclaimed. Indeed..

Meanwhile Vesna has cried foul on the way producers cut together her boyfriend’s appearance on Sunday night.

“We’ve been made a mockery of,” she said. “He sang another song before they called me in, but they only aired the silly song we sang together. This could affect his career.”

A Ten spokeswoman was apologetic yesterday, saying: “Ten has a long association with Vesna and we have the utmost respect for her.”

Australian Idol’s Sydney auditions air tonight and tomorrow on TEN.

Additional source: News.com.au