A multisource video news service that highlights nuances in reporting from media outlets around the world.

“Hey what’s up you all? I’m Kelly Clarkson, welcome to my Self photo shoot. This is my third cover, so, woo!”

That was Kelly Clarkson before taking her now controversial cover shot for Self Magazine, which ended up looking like this...

Clarkson’s photo was altered to make her appear slimmer—a decision that has once again prompted debate over Photoshopping celebrities.

We’re taking a look at different sides of the debate, beginning with a response from Self editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger who says the altered cover is actually encouraging readers. She’s on NBC’s Today Show.

“A cover is a poster, and the thing about a poster is, you want it to capture the essence of you at your best. So we’re saying to women, look everyone can love who they are from the inside out AND want to achieve their goals.”

But in direct response to Danziger, a blog on the Daily Finance says Photoshopped covers do just the opposite.

“Hyper-enhanced images like these don't inspire women (or men) to be their best; they encourage them to aspire to an ideal that even the most beautiful people in the world can't attain.”

In a commentary on Associated Content, Hartley Engel sees things differently, challenging what mass media says is beautiful.

“I think part of Kelly Clarkson's appeal is that she comes across as a regular, down-to-earth person...This is what magazines like Self tend to forget. The truth of the matter is that many men prefer a woman with a little extra ‘junk in the trunk.’”

Taking a look at the controversy from a business angle, ABC’s Juju Chang offers a perspective from the struggling magazine industry.

“With more than 270 magazines going out of business in North America in the first half of this year alone, publishing executives say they have to do what it takes to make the covers alluring.”

Clarkson, who has always talked openly about her weight, doesn’t shy away from the subject of Photoshop. Instead, she laughs it off on ABC’s Good Morning America.

“The fans always come up to me, the little girls are like, you know, you’re so beautiful. I was like, dude, everyone is Photoshopped. And they do their magic on all that stuff. And I don’t want them to think they have to live up to that. Cause it looks good!”

Do you think Photoshopping celebrities is just part of the business? Or are they misleading?