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Idol Producer Responds To Carly Smithson Controversy
I've just got off a conference call with the Executive Producer of "American Idol," Nigel Lythgoe, who had much to say about the newly chosen Top 24.
Many of the callers wanted to know about the controversy over contestant Carly Smithson, who had a record deal with MCA when she was 18-years-old. The company spent over 2 million dollars to market her debut album, "Ultimate High" which in the end sold only a few hundred copies. Things got very heated between Nigel and several reporters over the topic.
A very defensive Nigel said, "She is not breaking any rules of the competition. I don't see the logic. The rules of the competition state you do not have a contract now. I mean goodness me if Elvis Presley came back and was out of contract and was able to participate through age then he would be in the competition. Nobody said this is an amateur competition."
So, does this mean that we could see a celebrity "American Idol" edition? Think of all the singers who have been dropped by their labels! Come to think of it, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks were recently dropped by their labels. Maybe this means they could come and audition again. Oh wait I guess they are too old now.
Nigel seemed very disappointed that the reporters were harping on this angle and later snapped, "I don't honestly know what the angle is because all we are saying is this girl is extremely talented. It's within the rules of the competition. What's wrong with it?"
He also defended the decision to include contestants from Australia and Ireland this year:
"We have never said you have got to be U.S. citizens. You’ve just got to be legal to be in this country but as most of this country is from somewhere else, I can't see what the backlash is."
Usually, theme weeks start during the Top 12 but Nigel is shaking things up this week by adding a theme. It will be a Sixties theme which he says is actually a tool to help contestants who so far have gotten no air time.
"The reason why we have done it like this is they still have their own choice of song but we have given them a genre that is a little more musical with songs that we know. Because asking America to vote on a performer they don't know with the possibility of a song they don't know we thought was not right and there were some strange some choices being picked."
In other "Idol" news, Nigel revealed that going forward the contestants will still be allowed to use instruments should they choose. When last I spoke to him (about a month ago) he was on the fence about this. There will also be just four celebrity mentors during the Top 12 week, as opposed to last year's laundry list of stars.
Wow, very interesting AI insider info.
Please keep it coming :)
I dont honestly see what the problem is with letting Carly sing on the show this year. She has talent and as Nigel has said, no contract. As long as people are in the USA legally they should be allowed to participate. It seems every year there is a group of people that have to complain about something. Just sit back, enjoy the show and keep the complaining to a minimum!
what about the rumors that state the producers actually sought her out and asked her to be on the show?
I wonder how many of these previously signed people had connections to Nigel Lythgoe. It would be very convenient for him to have people he produced that bombed before, make it on the show. I really think that is what he is doing considering some of the people who made it through and some who didn't. If I find that out, it will be VERY deceptive and I will encourage other contestants who didn't make it beyond Hollywood to talk to lawyers. If you are going to have a singing competition, then it should be a fair competition.
I have not problem with Carly being allowed in. Sometimes making it is all about timing and exposure. Many of the Idols on the charts now, would not have made it had they had not had the exposure of the program--Kelly and Carrie, included.
I am just disappointed that they are starting the themes already. My favorite part of the season was the time between The top 24 to the top 12 because there was no themes and you could learn about the contestants because of the song choices they were able to choose. I hate the themes and wish they would get rid of them all together.
Here's the problem, with her prior record deal she worked with Randy... That's the problem, it must be dealt with!! It reeks of conflict of interest!!
Agreed. Clear cut case of conflict of interest on probably more than one level. It may not be strictly an "ameteur" competition but this is crossing the line. The reason the american public watches is to see a rags to riches story... Heads up Nigel, this is what makes your show relatable. Lose that, and keep losing ratings.
We want to see someone LIKE US be turned into a pop star!!! That's the ratings draw. I'm not interested in the girl that has 10 years experience in the biz with a pushy manager, agent, stylist, headshots, and who has already cut a professional album.
The fact that Randy worked at the label just makes it that much more despicable.
I don't think singing the 60's or anything else could make up for no airtime for a few of the contestants. Some have had star power treatment while some are not seen at all. No one even knows what jason yeager looks like let alone how he sings. In the photo shoot, many are shown over and over.Jason Y is not seen til the end for the formal pose.no candids. Just barely glimpsed from time to time..I think they are setting him up to be voted off early for some reason.Did they not like him? Did they just need someone to vote off right away? It's the weirdest thing I have ever seen.
You have REALLY GOOD vocals !!! I even purchased some of your videos. ONE problem I have with you is your tatoo Carly. I find it to be too distracting when you are performing, all I find myself doing is looking at it! It is TOO much of a distraction when you are on stage. You need to cover it up so people can concentrate on your great vocals. Sorry for the critism but you will have to put up with this sort of thing. You may even have been approached about this. Other than that I LOVE your voice and I will continue to support your music!
Linda Davies...Highland Falls, NY