Tears, one of the most frequently used weapons to attract viewers in the hugely popular TV singing contest “Super Girls,” won’t be found in “Happy Boys,” the much anticipated* sequel* to “Super Girls.”

“Happy Boys,” to be broadcast from May 1, should include only “healthy and ethically* inspiring*” songs and try to avoid “gossip” about the contestants and scenes of fans screaming and wailing*, or losing contestants in tears, said the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

In a notice to the broadcaster in Hunan Province, the SARFT said the entire talent show should “maintain a happy atmosphere,” calling scenes of wailing and screaming “low taste*.”

The SARFT also set the minimum age for contestants at 18 and decreed* their hairstyles, clothes, accessories*, language and manners should be in line with mainstream values*.

“No weirdness*, no vulgarity*, no low taste,” the notice said.

It also banned scandal-dogged* artists from appearing as judges and prohibited judges from mocking* contestants.

Judges have been ordered to refrain from “showing off in order to gain popularity.”

The SARFT also banned contestants from outside the Chinese mainland, but did not give any reason.

Hunan TV president Ouyang Changlin said the station would follow the SARFT rules, but made no further comment.

“Super Girls” drew 400 million viewers for the final contest of its four-month run in 2005 and helped contestants, including the winner, Li Yuchun, become national celebrities.

But “Super Girls” also drew public criticism for promoting “vulgarity” and discouraging youngsters from attempting to live life in a practical manner.

Liu Zhongde, former minister of culture, last year described “Super Girls” as vulgar.

Liu said the show “preached* the wrong concept of instant riches and fame.” Liu and his followers called on the Central Government to ban the program.

The criticism prompted* fans to defend the show on the Internet.

“People have the right to do what they want, and young people have the right to judge and choose what they need,” a fan said.

(SD-Agencies)