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They Aren't Virgins

Filed under: American Idol

simon.jpg

Why do people love American Idol? What is the apepal????

It's the Cinderella story aspect that appeals to most people, right?

For example, there was Carrie Underwood - who went from farm girl to Country superstar after being crowned the champ.

Well, a number fans are up in arms because it appears that Idol is straying from its supposed roots this season.

Turns out that several of the contestants this year have already been given a shot at the big time and failed.

Idol hopeful Carly Smithson recorded for MCA, which sunk more than $2 million on her debut disc, then dropped her when it didn't sell. Another contestant, Kristy Lee Cook, signed with Britney Spears' production company.

What's up with all the rejects????

Idol rules do not exclude people who have had deals in the past…you just can't be under a CURRENT contract to compete. Sounds lame to us!

Fans argue that Idol should have been more forthcoming about the 'professionals' who are in the race for the title.

If people don't like you the first go around, why would they like you the next time? And, Idol exposure doesn't guarantee 'success' (i.e. Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks).

[Image via WENN.]



128 comments to “They Aren't Virgins”

More comments: [1] 2 »

  1. N says – reply to this
    1

    First!

  2. aslan says – reply to this
    2

    first!

  3. Slow Down Perez says – reply to this
    3

    Perezers, hair dye gumming up your hands? Check the spell check before postings, babe!

  4. huh says – reply to this
    4

    old, old, old, old news

  5. Adam says – reply to this
    5

    Hey Perez, credit Vote For The Worst.

    Carly's head of A&R was Randy Jackson.

  6. Mack Daddy says – reply to this
    6

    Fourth!!!
    and simon is best judge ever

  7. Adam says – reply to this
    7

    votefortheworst.com/americanidol7contestants

  8. ArmPitt™ says – reply to this
    8

    I love me some SIMON!!!!

  9. brandy says – reply to this
    9

    robbie carrico was in a boy/girl pop group back in the day too.

  10. emilyyyy says – reply to this
    10

    i love myself!!!!!!!!!!

  11. Billary says – reply to this
    11

    WOW! A post that isn't slamming Obama sucking Hillary Clinton's ass!!! What a surprise. I guess even FAUX PEREZ get's away from the schilling ever once in awhile.

  12. nenad says – reply to this
    12

    4th

  13. kate says – reply to this
    13

    so? george huff and jennifer hudson both worked as singers before, as well as constantine and chris daughtry.
    are these "ringers" you're complaining about household names?
    people aren't watching idol, they're not watching the grammys either. people aren't watching tv as much as they used to, they're on the computer following britney's saga and the like.

  14. Kallie says – reply to this
    14

    Who cares? Idol is just a silly tv show, and the results are likely rigged anyway. If these people want a second chance 7 years later (for example, Carly was only 17) then just let them have it.

  15. lyni says – reply to this
    15

    i love american idol and im fi the uk and kinda hink ryan seacrest is hawt !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  16. jenny says – reply to this
    16

    4th!

  17. Esmeralda says – reply to this
    17

    I've never watched this show. Not for one minute.

  18. reader says – reply to this
    18

    Yeah, what is the apepal people? FRIST!

  19. toratcitsym says – reply to this
    19

    Why would they think I am now gonna like a record by a prooven to fail artist. I guess they trully want an established dud as their next idol. Wouldn't want to have another Kelly Crarkson or Carrie Underwood win AI, better off with a prooven dud.

    PS BRING JOSIAH LEMING BACK!!!!!!

  20. stephenthomas says – reply to this
    20

    carly's not the only idol finalist this year who has links to past failed success ….

    heres a list of 10 other season 7 American Idol finalists (aside from Carly Hennessy/Smithson) and their past musical rollercoasters ….

    david archuleta won the junior singing category of star search in 2003

    joanne borgella won mo'nique's reality show "fat chance"

    robbie carrico was in the pop group Boyz and Girlz United and briefly dated Britney Spears in 1999.

    david cook released a solo album called "analog heart"

    kristy lee cook was once signed by arista records and was tied to britney spears production company.

    amy davis made it to the second round of the country version of american idol, Nashville Star

    michael lee johns once fronted the band "the rising" which was once signed to Maverick Records

    syesha mercado was one of the 10 finalists on the short-lived ABC talent show "the one: making a music star"

    brooke white released a solo album "songs from the attic" and opened for country singer Phil Vassar on his tour.

    jason yeager was a finalist on the first season of "making the band"

    i guess the search for the undiscovered superstar really means the search for some undiscovered and other has-beens.

    all good … still love the show haha

  21. jokerface says – reply to this
    21

    Personally, I don't like the show. I watched the first season but that was it. A majority of these idols have failed after winning the title anyway.

  22. cc says – reply to this
    22

    Did burrito grease drip on your hands and make it stick to the keys???

  23. Better than another Gayken says – reply to this
    23

    I don't think anyone from Ireland or any other country should be eligible for "American" Idol either. Maybe I should go try to be on Panamanian Idol. Gimme a break.

  24. Kel says – reply to this
    24

    I just think its fun to watch. No one actually takes the "voting" seriously…its just entertaining. Even my kids get into it. Better than most of the crap on TV. Who cares if these people have had contracts before. Plus there have been some great musicians come out of the mess that is AI!

  25. boo hoo heather says – reply to this
    25

    I think american will be better this time……. I am so tired of freaks like taylor hicks winning…

  26. Nathan says – reply to this
    26

    Who cares? they're singers too, whether they've failed already or not.
    The same shit went down on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance, because Blake had dance professionally before. People just have to find something to bitch and moan about.

  27. caro says – reply to this
    27

    SO THE RULE FOR GETTING UR DREAMS IS "JUST TRY ONCE"??
    C'MON! LET THEM BE, AT THE END IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE WIN OR NOT AMERICAN IDOL CUZ IF PPL DONT LIKE THEM, THEN IT'S OVER

  28. trinag says – reply to this
    28

    Who cares? I watch the show to hear people who have talent, not to hear lame people who can't sing. It doesn't matter to me if they have already had a contract like Mario Vasquez, if they have had national exposure in bands like Bo Bice or Chris Daughtry, if they have been professional backup singers like Melinda Doolittle, or if they've been in plays or on TV like Constantine Maroulis. THAT is why I watch the show, to hear talented people and watch them get a shot at fame. I DON'T watch it to hear lousy singers who have no experience and look at the cameras like deer in the headlights, such as Julia DeMato. Get a grip. These people with a background are STILL undiscovered singers because the public has NO idea who they are. Or would you prefer a season of totally boring, lousy singers with no stage presence?? I know I sure wouldn't.

  29. Allie says – reply to this
    29

    We might like them the 2nd time around. Look at the Jonas Brothers, they were dropped from their label because they didn't see them going anywere, and look at them now! The people at Sony must be hating themselves. So who knows whats the story with the Idols that tried and didn't get far, maybe the timing wasnt right or maybe they weren't quite ready, either way, we'll see. It's still a cinderella story in my mind because they aren't professional singers now but they could be with the show. I would rather have the best, even if they had contracts in the past, than the next best who haven't.

  30. caro says – reply to this
    30

    SO THE RULE FOR GETTING UR DREAMS IS "JUST TRY ONCE"??
    C'MON! LET THEM BE, AT THE END IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THEY WIN OR NOT AMERICAN IDOL CUZ IF PPL DONT LIKE THEM, THEN IT'S OVER

  31. Devon says – reply to this
    31

    I'll still be voting for the worst, no matter how many plants they allow. Hi, Dave!

  32. t says – reply to this
    32

    Those are two of the most annoying people on the show this season. So what if they had deals, they will be gone quickly again (with any luck) and the great ones will stick around.

  33. the DQ says – reply to this
    33

    Also, the Aussie guy has had a recording contract, as has the 16 yo kid.

    Carly was with MCA when Randy worked there.

    Looks like votefortheworst will be busy again this year. But it really doesn't matter, because they'll manipulate the numbers as usual. It's fake……..ALL FAKE!!!!

  34. mandypoo says – reply to this
    34

    canadian idol had a former pop duo star on the show. It was from like 10 years before but I definately remembered the song when they played it on the introduction to the contestant. That shouldn't be allowed, this guy was already a hasbeen!

  35. Geri Halliwell says – reply to this
    35

    Uh two words bitches .. Leona , Lewis. Damn that bitch had more record deals than Perez has had donuts before she won X Factor. End of you pink haired hog! ~This was an official broadcast from Lady Geri Haliwell~

  36. May lovelace says – reply to this
    36

    Socialize with Breeze!

    For social animals to socialize more and fast and stay in control,
    MashedLife.com has been the heaven for me.

  37. bluenosed bastard says – reply to this
    37

    They've done that before,Ace had a deal and a song in some movie before he tried out for AI

  38. Simple plans BIGGEST fan says – reply to this
    38

    I bet he bought that shirt from baby gap

  39. so what says – reply to this
    39

    big deal…so they had record contracts…..still never heard of them. Your just looking for a reason to bring someone down. I still love watching A.I. I don't vote though and that vote for the worst is totally lame. If you have to go to web site to figure out who is the worst…..than whatever……

  40. perez sux says – reply to this
    40

    Carly's a great singer she deserves a second chance !!!

  41. David says – reply to this
    41

    Who gives a shit about American Idol any more?

    None of the winners have been anything special since Carrie Underwood and before her, the only good one was Kelly Clarkson.

    Oh and Perez, sort out the typos! You've been slipping up with proofreading of late!

  42. Worster says – reply to this
    42

    Oh, there's a great many plants in the show. Check out votefortheworst.com, we listed them all out in a post somewhere back there. Michael Johns has a particularly sketchy past as well.

  43. big Ben says – reply to this
    43

    "Why do people love American Idol? What is the apepal????"

    People wan't to see fat, disgusting freak's humiliate themselfs… It's the same with people that read perezhilton.com… We have fun seeing fat, disgusting homo's humiliate theselfs…

  44. idoll says – reply to this
    44

    ok perez u are really funny and i love all your other blogs but you have to admit idol changes lives

    ok taylor hicks and rubenn they suck

    but look at the success
    jasmine trias
    blake lewis
    katharine mcphee
    clay aiken
    fantasia
    jordin sparks
    chris daughtry
    ellitott yamine
    carrie underwood
    kelly clarkson

    not all these people went platinum but they are big names in the music industry so american idol isn't a joke it changes lives so stop ragging on it

  45. Jebbica says – reply to this
    45

    Don't forget about Robbie Carrico, who used to be in a boy/girl pop group back in the day that opened for Britney Spears…he even used to date Britney!

  46. aimzz says – reply to this
    46

    This is similar to the latest season of Project Runway!

  47. piazzasbuttplug says – reply to this
    47

    I wanna see Paula Abdul's cooch.

  48. Rachel says – reply to this
    48

    not fair. Bring back Josiah!!! At least he is an unknown. Why should semi professionals get a second chance?? Why doesn't Carly go back to England to get rich

  49. Ree says – reply to this
    49

    Oh dear adorable Kelly C had a deal that fell down before getting on AI

  50. AB says – reply to this
    50

    Who gives a fucking shit if they have had previous contracts? If they are good singers/entertainers, what does it matter? And I doubt that "fans" are up in arms about the show being forthcoming….more like critics or people with nothing better to do (aka people on votefortheworst = lame). And good to know that you wouldn't want anyone to get a second chance at their dream!

    I wish you wouldn't pretend to be a journalist. Journalists are (supposed to be) unbiased. I just hope that other readers actually get real news from credible sources.

  51. Kendra says – reply to this
    51

    Don't forget David Archuletta - the Star Search winner who already had his shot at fame.

  52. marios dog hayden says – reply to this
    52

    AI is all about simon cowell wanting your $$$ from all your phone calls. dno't be idiots don't make this arrogant egomaniac even RICHER!!

  53. DJ says – reply to this
    53

    yeah, thats the same with canadian idol. last season (or the season before, I can't remember) there was a former moffat brother on there. (the moffats were big like 10 years ago… well somewhat big in canada)

  54. jamie says – reply to this
    54

    didnt fergie's first album sink….before she was with the Pea's? " People are always looking for the break….may not be their first break…

  55. Joan of Arc says – reply to this
    55

    Maybe they're not virgins, but I AM! Vive la France!

  56. Owen says – reply to this
    56

    Michael Johns (the Austrralian) not only was once signed to Maverick records, he left a promising young group in the lurch for a chance at that solo career, stealing a good portion of their songs. He's a real ass I hear, as well, very egocentric.

  57. toratcitsym says – reply to this
    57

    Yeah! WHO CARES if they had previous records that were flops!! And next year I hope we get Ryan Cabrera, and Ashlee Simpson, and Hilarry Duff, uhhh, and Lohan. That rock! The b*tch fights would be fantastic!! I mean, as long as they don't have a contrat at the time, they can get in to contest. They all deserve a 2nd change at pop stardom.

    BRING JOSIAH BACK!!!

  58. Sally says – reply to this
    58

    Ummm wasn't Kelly Clarkson also working with some major label producers before she went on Idol??? The whole show is phony - no way did some of those people actually wait in line with 30,000 others.

  59. toratcitsym says – reply to this
    59

    Ohhhh and PARIS HILTON!!!! Her record was a big flop. They should def. get her for next year!!!! If she makes a sex tape w/ another contestant the ratings would def. go up!!
    BRING JOSIAH BACK!!!

  60. Christie says – reply to this
    60

    Idol exposure might not guarantee exposure, but it's still great exposure that should be taken advantage of whenever possible. Maybe these artists did not really get the proper exposure for their talent (that is probably higher than Studdard and Hick's) and this is the way to go. Had anyone heard of them already with these other deals etc? It's not like they're they guys in O-Town or that chick who sang "I'm a Bitch" a million years ago.

  61. shea says – reply to this
    61

    There are plenty of people that are huge now that people LOVE that went through failures before. Same with any entertainment career.

  62. DOLCE & GABBANA says – reply to this
    62

    FOR SOMEONE WHO MAKES TENS OF MILLIONS EACH YEAR, WHY DOES THIS ASSHOLE ALWAYS LOOK LIKE HE STEPPED OUT OF A HOMELESS SHELTER?

  63. Marky says – reply to this
    63

    It seems like the most talented ones never win so who cares. I've only been watching for the past two seasons and neither Chris Daughtry nor Melinda Doolittle won and they were the most talented each season by far.

  64. OLD NEWS says – reply to this
    64

    This was reported on last week. I don't think it is fair that people with prior record deals are competing. They won't get my vote.

  65. EuropEll says – reply to this
    65

    Who is your ape-pal? ;D

  66. sara says – reply to this
    66

    robbie carrico was in boys and girls united, i saw him on tour when he use to be a tiny teeny bopper justin timberlake wannabe opening for someone

  67. katie says – reply to this
    67

    cary underwood has the same story..she used to be an opening act for many famous people before idol and no one liked her until after

  68. Foreigners be gone it's AMERICAN idol says – reply to this
    68

    Carrie Underwood had a recording contract when she was 12 and Kelly Clarkson was SIGNED when she decided to join idol and Paris Bennett's mother was a grammy winner. Kelly Pickler had been in a televised singing contest before and competed to be Miss America. None of these people except for Elliott were true music industry virgins. What bothers me about this season is that there are FOREIGNERS competing. WTF? They couldn't find 24 talented Americans? Why is that Australian dude Michael Johns in when Austrailia has it's own AI? Neither him nor this Irish chick are American citizens so they should go home. Don't vote for them.

  69. dan says – reply to this
    69

    The biggest fake was professional back-up signer Melinda Doolittle, who had a stylist and a make-up person. She had a freakin' entourage, and then went on and did that sickening humble routine, acting like no one had ever told her she could sing before. Even Simon told her to drop the act.

    And how about that phony failed actor Perez Hilton who reinvented himself as a blogger so he could get his own TV show?

  70. Idol needs to CHANGE says – reply to this
    70

    Elliott Yamin was the only true undiscovered talent. He was never signed, never opened for anyone, never did anything on tv before and had no connections. He worked at CVS before idol. That's the kind of person I want to see win the show not some trained has-been who's acting all fake for the cameras with their lame ass scripted sob stories. Idol could have been a great launching pad for real musicians but instead it's turned into a fake talent show platform for people who have been circling the hollywood fame drain for years. Pathetic.

  71. Hate Phonies says – reply to this
    71

    If you want to win american idol stop being FAKE. Americans aren't stupid, we know when someone is bullshitting us. Enough sob stories about fake illness, dead family members and fake tears. Stop pretending and just be real. If you've had a failed record deal ADMIT it and stop pretending you haven't been given a chance.

  72. Ryan Seacrest says – reply to this
    72

    SO WILL SOMEONE TELL ME: IS RYAN SEACREST GAY OR WHAT?

  73. Jennifer says – reply to this
    73

    Re: dan – How about Perez? He's doing great! :)

  74. PP KISSER says – reply to this
    74

    I think it's great IDOL is trying to refresh itself with more proven performers. ANYTHING that will help avoid another SCUMGINA is a welcome improvement, because that ABOMINATION nearly caused me to quit watching last year. The guys (I don't give a shit about the girls) are mostly hotties who can sing this