On Sunday, it became clear that the manager and songwriter Ash Pournouri will be a new jury member in Idol. He is famous for discovering Avicii.
– I am very busy, he says in a press release.
The announcement that Ash will be a member of the jury has been met with critical comments on social media. The comments are about Ash Pournouri’s actions having contributed to Avicii choosing to end his life, and that Ash is said to have pressured Avicii during a time when the star was ill and needed recovery and rest.
Defends the choice of Ash
The choice of a new jury member is defended by the program’s executive producer Malin Knave.
– We are aware that there are thoughts and opinions regarding the selection of the jury. We are very happy that Ash is part of the Idol Jury and the response has been overwhelmingly positive, Malin Knave writes to TV4 Nyheterna.
What made you choose Ash Pournouri for Idol’s jury?
– Ash’s knowledge and experience in the music industry is what was behind the decision. We are very much looking forward to this year’s season and the additional news we will present shortly, says Malin Knave.