But The Opera Can't End Without Her

Before proceeding I must point out it was not my intention to cover this story, however that little snark monster existing within me, knowing my total lack of self control in these matters, poked his head out of my shoulder and whispered "do it!" 

This report comes from ABC News:

Here’s just a few of the remarks the British press – all male -- aimed at Irish opera singer Tara Erraught after her debut as “Octavian” in Johann Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier" at the Glyndebourne Festival.

• “… a chubby bundle of puppy-fat.” -- Andrew Clark, the Financial Times
• “It’s hard to imagine this stocky Octavian as this willowy woman's plausible lover." -- Andrew Clements, The Guardian
• "This Octavian has the demeanor of a scullery-maid." -- Michael Church, The Independent
• "Unbelievable, unsightly and unappealing." -- Richard Morrison in The Times of London
• "Tara Erraught is dumpy of stature and whether in bedroom déshabille, disguised as Mariandel or in full aristocratic fig, her costuming makes her resemble something between Heidi and Just William. Is Jones simply trying to make the best of her intractable physique or is he trying to say something about the social-sexual dynamic?" -- Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph

Allow me to make a few points about Tara Erraugh's critics.  First of all she is not that heavy.

Secondly this is who the critics once loved as the young lover in Aida:

 

And finally the reviewers comments about Ms Erraught prove how little they know about Opera. Even if she was morbidly obese (which she isn't)  Tara Erraught would serve a very important role in the opera. Every one knows the opera ain't over till the fat lady sings. Geesh!