American Idol producers: “we have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning”

The producers of American Idol released a statement today promising that they’ve never distorted the vocals of contestants using Auto-Tune or other technology. That statement comes in the wake of a scandal in the UK, where The X Factor has admitted manipulating vocals of its performers.

“We have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning during the ‘American Idol’ competition,” producers told the AP in a statement.

X Factor has decided to do the same thing. “There will be no auto-tune in the audition shows or for competitive performances on live shows,” a spokesperson told BBC News. Simon Cowell allegedly told X Factor staff that he was “mortified” and wanted to “ensure viewers can trust what they see on the show,” a source told The Daily Mirror.

The Auto-Tune scandal has led the news in the UK, with related stories popping up, including allegations in The Sun that Susan Boyle’s voice was altered in her audition, which became a worldwide phenomenon.