Pitch Battle viewers divided over BBC decision to pull ‘lyrics about fire’ from Riff Off round after Grenfell Tower tragedy
SATURDAY night’s edition of Pitch Battle divided the opinions of viewers after lyrics about fire were cut from the show.
The latest round of a capella battles saw a group named Songbird Sessions compete against the London International Gospel Choir in the second round.
As part of the Pitch Battle process, groups battle it out in a riff off round – singing a variety of songs under a specific theme.
For the Songbird and Gospel riff off, the theme was ‘fire’ – but the BBC decided to edit down the segment out of respect to the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Show host Mel Giedroyc explained the decision before highlights of the recorded riff off were aired.
“This show was recorded before the Grenfell tower tragedy and the theme of this riff off was fire,” the former Bake Off host explained.
“Due to some of the lyrics, we feel it would be insensitive to show it in full,” she continued.
“Both of our lovely choirs full support this decision,” the host added.
Highlights of the riff off saw the two groups whip through a medley of songs including Burn by Ellie Goulding, Relight My Fire by Take That, and Firework by Katy Perry.
The clips were edited to ensure no mention of fire or burning made it onto TV.
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However viewers of the show seemed split over the decision to edit down the content of the songs.
There were many who praised the decision and full backed the BBC for making such a sensitive choice.
One fan agreeing with the decision took to Twitter to comment: “#PitchBattle shame but good choice I think.”
Another tweeted: “Awwh pitch battle are so cute that they shortened the riff off bc of what happened at Grenfell.”
A further fan agreeing with the decision to edit the segment added: “Well handled BBC #PitchBattle.”
“Such a shame not to see the full Riff Off on #PitchBattle - but understandable. Sensible decision BBC,” wrote another.
And Crescendo, one of the other groups that competed on the show, Tweeted: “Respect for #PitchBattle. A sensitive issue well handled by the production team! #PitchBattle @BBCPitchBattle”.
Other viewers were less supportive, and criticised the BBC and the show for cutting out the lyrics.
“Really? We can't see the part of Pitch Battle because there were songs about fire?” wrote one less impressed fan on Twitter, with another tweeting: “Boo #pitchbattle censorship at it's worse 🙄”.
While another asked: “Can we ban the word 'fire' please from all language because we can't say it any more hey @BBC #pitchbattle #areyouserious”.
So far 80 people have been confirmed killed in the Grenfell Tower tragedy which occurred on 14 June 2017.
A devastating fire ripped through the Grenfell Tower in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea - with many more feared dead following the incident.
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