Dr Geoff Lindsey | CONTRASTING /ɛ/ AND /a/ (the vowels of DRESS and TRAP) @DrGeoffLindsey | Uploaded May 2020 | Updated October 2024, 45 minutes ago.
A Singapore man was denied a $10,000 prize because of his pronunciation, despite the fact that he CORRECTLY identified singer Tony Hadley. Millions around the world pronounce words like "Hadley" and "Hedlye" the same – but for Brits, Americans, etc. it's an important distinction. (After all the attention, the radio station finally gave Muhammad the prize.)
Tony Hadley messages Muhammad:
youtube.com/watch?v=KG98Uaoxhm4

Spandau Ballet "Gold":
youtube.com/watch?v=ntG50eXbBtc

Spandau Ballet "True":
youtube.com/watch?v=AR8D2yqgQ1U
The story on the BBC:
youtube.com/watch?v=FcxdjVF2ImA