And then based on those reported top 12 lists, Buddy TV also had this to say:
After the names of the top 24 finalists for season 7 were leaked last week, a disturbing reality was revealed. More than half of the finalists are ringers. They are not the “undiscovered talent” that American Idol so proudly brags about. These are singers who, at some point, were indeed discovered and then, for some reason or another (as is wont to happen in the recording industry), failed. The new question is this: Does it matter that this season's top 24 is peppered with industry ringers? Or, better yet: Will anybody care?
Three members of the top 24 this season have recorded and released albums while signed to a major label. Others have appeared on major tours, major reality shows, sung with other major artists, or released their own albums. A few have curious ties to American Idol and their affiliated recording companies. Over it's seven season run, American Idol has regularly boasted about how their goal is to bring the best undiscovered talent to the masses. These people, no matter what your definition is, are not “undiscovered.”
Here's a look at some of the more blatant recording industry veterans who, according to the leaked list, have made the top 24 (We have to thank VoteFortheWorst.com for uncovering the pasts of these singers):
Carly Smithson (formerly Carly Hennesy): This is the tattooed Irish lady. She tried out a couple of seasons ago, but was expelled due to visa issues. She recorded an album for RCA that sold very poorly in the U.S. One of the songwriters on her album has also written songs for Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken.
Robbie Carrico: Robbie was part of a boy band during that unfortunate time when boy bands were all the rage. They made a couple albums, were a failure. Lately, Robbie has been a part of a pop rock band that has also failed miserably. Reportedly, he was also one of Britney Spears' first boyfriends. That looked a lot better on the resume a few years ago.
Michael Johns: This Aussie has been the frontman for two different bands, both having recorded albums. He had a major falling out with his last band, as he was accused of stealing songs upon his departure.
Kristy Lee Cook: She had a record deal with Arista Nashville a few years back and even recorded a music video.
Syesha Mercado: She was a contestant on the talent show The One.
Amy Davis: Is a model and has been a member of a band.
Brooke White: She opened for Phil Vassar on one of his recent tours.
Kady Malloy: She recorded an album with the help from a big-time producer who has also worked with Mandy Moore and Natalie Imbruglia.
David Archuleta: He won Star Search when he was 12 and has sung with Kelly Clarkson.
Joanne Borgella: She won a televised plus-sized beauty pageant. She has sung with Patti Labelle and Bo Bice, and has appeared on various talk shows.
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So....do we care? Or not?