'Idol' Controversy Starts Already On Season Seven.

Here's what VoteForTheWorst had to say about Carly: 

"Carly Smithson is the epitome of a record industry failure. She was brought to America by MCA Records and recorded a bland pop album that sold only 300 copies (that’s not a typo). Then she faded into obscurity. Now, a mastermind behind the scenes at Idol has decided that instead of just signing Carly to an Idol-affiliated record label, she should be pushed down America’s throats as a contestant on American Idol. Back with brand new tattoos and an "edgier" sound, the record execs connected to Idol are probably hoping that Carly will finally catch on when she’s featured on the #1 TV show in the country. To make things even messier, one of the songwriters for Carly's album also wrote songs for the debut albums of Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, and Kimberley Locke. There's a definite Idol connection here, folks."

Message boards are buzzing today about how they conveniently left off any of this information about her past record deal out of the audition story and how "Idol" is "pimping" her out to the masses for votes. 

Carly is not the only contestant with a professional background. Several of the rumored top 50 contestants have had record deals in the past. You can see for yourself and read the full article here. http://www.votefortheworst.com/americanidol7contestants

I've asked for a comment on this from the Idol producers and as of yet have not heard back from them. I'll let you know when I do.

For the record, the "Idol" contract states that contestants cannot have a CURRENT record deal in place. It makes no mention of having past deals, having put out past albums etc. It's not uncommon for contestants to have had past record deals, to be working as a professional singer or to have appeared on other reality shows. Even as far back as season one this has happened. You might recall an "Idol" alum by the name of Kelly Clarkson! She had worked on some demo tracks with a record company way back when, before auditioning for "Idol". 

You have to remember that many of the people who audition are trying to live out their dream of becoming musicians, pop stars, rock stars or just to be famous.  The longer the show has been on, the more people abuse the system.  The smart ones know the kind of exposure it can give you. So, why wouldn't someone who has been working and working to make their dreams happen come and audition if they can? 

"American Idol" is no longer a show about 'a nobody becoming a somebody'. In fact, I'm not sure it ever really was. When you look back at the history of the show how many of the Top 12 or even Top 24 contestants were just plucked out of true obscurity? 99 percent of them were the lead in the school play at some point, or a singing waitress, or a member of some band that practiced in a garage and played dive bars, or a background singer, or a beauty pageant contestant whose talent was singing, or a local small town 'celebrity' who sang at state fairs and opened baseball games with the National Anthem.  Who ever walked into the audition room with no true experience and made it past the judges?

Those are the people they laugh at and mock.