CHRIS - LIL' CHRIS: 'MY BULLYING HELL'

British newcomer LIL' CHRIS was the victim of cruel school bullying before he rocketed to fame, and insists he only learned to fight back recently. The 16-year-old ROCK SCHOOL star, real name CHRIS HARDMAN, was taunted for his diminutive stature and burgeoning talent by jealous classmates. But he has now silenced his tormentors after impressing KISS legend GENE SIMMONS on the UK version of his hit show and landing a recording contract. He recalls, "I suffered badly. They'd punch me and set fire to my books and my hair. "This was in middle school in Lowestoft (England). I started only started to stick up for myself later."