Plus-Size Singers Say Size of Voice, Not Waist Matters

July 24, 2007 — -- More than 400 British wannabe pop idols recently applied to sing in a brand-new music group called Plus. Only five made the cut and each was handpicked. But this band differs from the typical girl groups of today.

To enter the competition each girl had to be larger than a size 12.

''For once, if they are not big enough they will have to go home,'' said Just As Beautiful magazine fashion editor Tracey Carr.

Forming the group was the brainchild of editors at Just as Beautiful, the U.K.'s first free online magazine that caters to big women.

Hannah Lee was one of the girls who made it into the group.

"As I am big, I just thought I am never going to properly get into the music industry,'' Lee told ABC News.

The music industry is notoriously image conscious, what these girls want to prove is that big can be beautiful and commercially successful.

Pop stars that look like Avril Lavigne racing up the charts can be tough competition.

"Everyone will realize the minute they see them is that they are real women," said Plus consultant Kizzi Nkwocha.

Battling the bulge has been a problem for singers like Ginger Spice and Janet Jackson. Even Kelly Clarkson, who has a hit album out, is getting as much attention for her waistline as she is for her talents.

The other Plus band members were identified as Rachel Faulkner, Shirley Slaymaker, Kate Newnes and Stacey-Lee Cuddy.