According USA Today, many of this season’s American Idol final 24 contestants have had recording contracts in the past and are using the show as a relaunching pad for their music careers. Now the hit television show faces a backlash from some of America's truly undiscovered talent who think it's unfair to compete against ex-professionals. CLICK HERE TO WATCH AMERICAN IDOL AMATEURS OR PROS.
"I believe anybody that has more experience, someone who has been signed to a major label, of course that gives you an advantage. The question is, is that fair to someone like me, that has never done this before?" said Nina Shaw, a former contestant on this season's "American Idol."
Shaw was voted off the road to stardom, after a round of competition with contestant Carly Smithson. Under a different name, Smithson was an Irish singing sensation, signed to a six-record deal with MC records in 1999. In total, the label invested more than $2 million in her album. Click here for a more complete list of former American Idol contestants and their connections including Brooke White,Kady Malloy who had a record. Top 50 contestant Jermaine Paul who was signed to J Records, sang with Alicia Keys and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Kristy Lee Cook was once signed with BRITNEY SPEARS' production company.
Michael Johns' formerly Michael Lee had a band Film that was signed with Madonna’s Maverick label, until they were dropped.
Carly Smithson recorded with MCA as artist Carly Hennesy with a $2 million dollar record deal,
but she was dropped for poor sales. Her debut album sold less than 300 copies.
She also auditioned in Las Vegas during American Idol Season 5 and was chosen to sing in Hollywood but didn't attend due to Visa problems. Paula Abdul commented during Season 5, "I think she's the best one we've ever seen." CHECK OUT HER MUSIC VIDEO BLOW YOUR MIND.
Robbie Carrico sang with Boyz-N-Girlz United, an
David Archuleta won on Star Search in 2003 when he was just 12 years old. 16 year-old David said in his audition video that he was afflicted with vocal paralysis a few years ago.
But a few years ago David sang for American Idol Season 1 contestants Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. Check out the video below.
"We're looking for 'great,' and, yes, those people in all likelihood have had dealings with the industry before."
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