Russell Crowe responds to Adam Lambert criticism of Les Mis

Russell Crowe has responded to criticism from former 'American Idol' star Adam Lambert, after he criticised the use of non-professional singers in the cast 'Les Miserables'.

Lambert took to Twitter after seeing the film, telling his near two million followers: “Les Mis: Visually impressive w great Emotional performances. But the score suffered massively with great actors PRETENDING to be singers.

[Related story: Singing let Les Mis down, says Lambert]

“I do think it was cool they were singing live - but with that cast, they should have studio recorded and sweetened the vocals.

“I felt like I should ignore the vocals and focus on the emotional subtext - but the singing was so distracting at times it pulled me out.

“The industry will say 'these actors were so brave to attempt singing this score live' but why not cast actors who could actually sound good?”

Crowe, who plays Javert in the Tom Hooper-directed epic based on Victor Hugo's novel, tweeted in response: “I don’t disagree with Adam. Sure it could have been sweetened, Tom Hooper wanted it raw and real, that’s how it is.”

Lambert, who didn't name Crowe as being among the culprits spoiling the film for him, did however praise the performances of, among others, Anne Hathaway, who plays Fantine, and Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen, who play Monsieur and Madame Thenardier.