Sympathy votes may help Vai

Voting trends of Idol shows overseas indicate the sympathy vote may well work in Rosita Vai's favour following Sir Howard Morrison's criticism of her weight.

Vai, whose favourite food is listed as taro with corned beef, has said on the show that she was uncomfortable with her weight and was working to reduce it.

Around the world, the issue of weight has been one of the show's biggest controversies. Only in America has some contestants' past criminal records overshadowed weight.

In Britain, winner Michelle McManus was compared to podgy rock star Meatloaf, while last year's Australian winner Casey Donovan attracted satire and scathing comments from viewers for her size.

Former Australian Idol judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson told contestant Paulini Curuenavuli that she needed to "lose a few pounds".