American Idol controversies

Voting has been the biggest source of controversy with American Idol becoming embroiled in numerous controversies in various seasons over the voting process and its results.

Around 100 people using auto-dialing software and their home dial-up modems reportedly placed as many as 10,000 votes a night.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2002-08-16-american-idol_x.htm |title=Tech-savvy viewers may skew 'American Idol' vote |publisher=Usatoday.com |date=2002-08-17 |access-date=2012-04-21}} However, FremantleMedia, which produces the show, contended that this represented a 'statistically insignificant' proportion of the overall voting, and Fox insisted that the system was fair.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/s91/american-idol/news/a8845/computer-voting-affects-american-idol.html?locale |title=Computer voting affects "American Idol" |publisher=Digitalspy.co.uk |date=2002-08-17 |access-date=2012-04-21}} Nevertheless, concerns were raised about possible unfairness in the situation of a tight vote.{{cite web|url=http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article2149.art&page=1 |title=American Idol Voting May Be Skewed |publisher=Realitynewsonline.com |date=2002-08-18 |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060415020521/http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article2149.art&page=1 |archive-date=2006-04-15 }} One of the show's executive producers, Ken Warwick, later indicated that equipment was put in place afterwards to address this issue but it has not detected any such problem since its installation.{{cite web|url=http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2006/02/04/american-idol-producer-ken-warwick-denies-voting-problems/ |title=American Idol Producer Ken Warwick Denies Voting Problems |publisher=Realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402234513/http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2006/02/04/american-idol-producer-ken-warwick-denies-voting-problems/ |archive-date=2011-04-02 }}

Out of 24 million votes recorded following the second season finale, Ruben Studdard finished just 130,000 votes ahead of Clay Aiken. There was confusion over the winning margin as host Ryan Seacrest initially announced it as 13,000, later again 1,335, and then finally corrected by Fox as 130,000.{{cite web|url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/fox-correction-ruben-studdard-won-american-idol-by-about-130000-votes-not-by-1335-or-13000-1213.php |title=FOX correction: Ruben Studdard won 'American Idol' by about 130,000 votes, not by 1,335 or 13,000 |publisher=Realitytvworld.com |date=2003-05-22 |access-date=2012-04-21}} There was much discussion in the communication industry about the phone system being overloaded, and that potentially more than 230 million calls were dropped just by AT&T and SBC (over 30% of the market), making the results statistically invalid.Siebel, Deborah S., [http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA417981.html?display=Top+of+the+Week American Idol Outrage: Your Vote Doesn't Count], Broadcastingandcable.com, 2004-05-17, Retrieved on 2007-03-03. The phone lines may have been running at capacity that made a near-tie inevitable, with the winner potentially decided by text-messaging which was unaffected by capacity problem.{{cite web|last=Wittler |first=Wendell |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4998489 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004160738/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/4998489 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |title=American democracy meets American Idolatry |publisher=MSNBC |date=May 26, 2004 |access-date=February 24, 2011}}

In an interview prior to the start of the fifth season, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe revealed for the first time that Aiken had led the fan voting from the wild card week onward until the finale.Martin, Logan., [http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article9455.art&page=1 "It's Going to be a Very Strong Season, I Think": An Interview with American Idol Producer Nigel Lythgoe] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060507041904/http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article9455.art&page=1 |date=May 7, 2006 }}, realitynewsonline.com, 2006-01-17, Retrieved on 2007-03-03.

During the second season, a phone scam operation based in Salt Lake City, Utah was discovered, in which people were tricked into believing that viewers could vote for their favorites through an 800 number, rather than the 866 number used on the show.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2004-03-18-idol-scam_x.htm |title=Watch Out For 'American Idol' Phone Scam – usgovinfo.com |publisher=USA Today |date=2004-03-18 |access-date=2012-04-21}}

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During the Wild Card round, twelve contestants were invited back to participate. However, after being evaluated during the week in rehearsals, only eight were chosen by the judges to perform that night. One performer was chosen by public vote, and one performer was chosen by each of the three judges.

Four contestants in the wildcard round were eliminated by the judges before they had the chance to sing: Lisa Leuschner, Eric Yoder, Tiara Purifoy, and Marque Lynche.

At top seven, the three African American singers Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London, and Jennifer Hudson, dubbed the Three Divas, all unexpectedly landed at the bottom three. Jennifer Hudson was eliminated, prompting much discussion and criticism.{{cite web|url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/buzz-over-jennifer-hudson-ouster-from-american-idol-3-continues-2518.php |title=Buzz over Jennifer Hudson's ouster from 'American Idol 3' continues |publisher=Realitytvworld.com |date=April 26, 2004 |access-date=February 24, 2011}} Elton John, who was one of the mentors that season, called the results of the votes "incredibly racist"[https://web.archive.org/web/20040429072819/http://au.news.yahoo.com/040427/11/oqwi.html Elton John Says 'American Idol' Vote Is 'Racist'], Reuters via Yahoo.com, 2004-04-28, Retrieved on March 2, 2007. (though Barrino went on to win the competition). Criticisms were also voiced about the voting system that resulted in survival of contestants such as John Stevens and Jasmine Trias over Jennifer Hudson and LaToya London, despite constant negative reviews from the judges on the former two. It was claimed that Jasmine Trias' fans were able to vote early and often outside of the 2-hour voting window,{{cite magazine|last=Susman |first=Gary |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/05/19/idol-vote-counters-insist-system-fair/|title= Idol vote counters insist system is fair|magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=2004-05-19 |access-date=2012-04-21}} and a disproportionate number of votes came from Jasmine Trias' home state of Hawaii.{{cite web|url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/distorted-american-idol-voting-due-an-overtaxed-american-phone-grid-2570.php |title=Distorted 'American Idol' voting due to an overtaxed American phone grid? |publisher=Realitytvworld.com |date=2004-05-18 |access-date=2012-04-21}}

During the Top 11 performance show, three of the contestants had their numbers mixed up with the wrong numbers appearing on the screen, resulting in millions of votes being voided.{{cite web |last1=Steinberg |first1=Jacques |last2=Aurthur |first2=Kate |title=Mix-Up Leads to New 'American Idol' Vote |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/24/arts/television/mixup-leads-to-new-american-idol-vote.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=November 24, 2019 |date=March 24, 2005}} Recordings of the performances were therefore reshown on the Wednesday show with new, live commentary from the three judges, and the audience revoted. The elimination night was moved to Thursday.

In the week finalist Chris Daughtry was voted off, some voters claimed that phone calls dialed for Daughtry during the first few minutes of voting were misrouted to Katharine McPhee's lines, and they heard her recorded message thanking them for voting.MSNBC staff, [https://www.today.com/popculture/some-callers-claim-idol-votes-were-misdirected-wbna12748906 Some callers claim ‘Idol’ votes were misdirected], Today, 2006-05-12, Retrieved on 2007-03-03. Other voters claimed similar problems voting for other contestants, in some cases resulting in votes going to Daughtry that were intended for another contestant, Elliott Yamin.[https://archive.today/20120630103111/http://dialidol.com/asp/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=375 Elliott's votes going to Chris on DI], Dialidol.com forums, 2006-05-09, Retrieved on 2007-03-03.

This season saw a concerted attempt to influence the outcome of the vote in American Idol, led most notably by Howard Stern and Vote for the Worst.{{cite web|last=Harris |first=Chris |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1555113/does-sanjaya-owe-success-howard-stern.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418022259/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1555113/does-sanjaya-owe-success-howard-stern.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2011 |title=Is Howard Stern Behind Sanjaya Malakar's Staying Power On 'Idol'? |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2007-03-20 |access-date=2012-04-21}} Howard Stern encouraged his listeners to vote for Sanjaya Malakar who had become a phenomenon in the sixth season,{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/fever-around-american-idol-contestant-sanjaya-malakar-is-so-high-that-bloggers-have-720773.htm |title=Fever Around American Idol Contestant Sanjaya Malakar Is So High That Bloggers Have Dropped His Last Name |publisher=Marketwire.com |access-date=2012-04-21}} and to take delight in possibly "ruining" Idol.{{cite web|last=Surette |first=Tim |url=http://www.tv.com/sanjaya-blogs-dont-miss-a-beat/story/9335.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913093328/http://www.tv.com/sanjaya-blogs-dont-miss-a-beat/story/9335.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-13 |title=Sanjaya blogs don't miss a beat |publisher=Tv.com |date=2007-04-16 |access-date=2012-04-21 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/howard_stern_corrupts_i_idol_i |title=Howard Stern Corrupts Idol! |publisher=Us Weekly |date=2008-07-31 |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309023550/http://www.usmagazine.com/howard_stern_corrupts_i_idol_i |archive-date=March 9, 2009 }}

Melinda Doolittle's departure stunned fans and critics alike. Simon Cowell admitted that the sixth season's crown should have rightfully gone to Melinda. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe responded, noting that "[Idol producers] were so engrossed with the mentors and didn't really focus on the Melinda Doolittles of the show." Lythgoe also produces So You Think You Can Dance, and has noted that the dance program gives background information about its contestants, while American Idol focused more on its big-name celebrity mentors, such as Tony Bennett, Gwen Stefani, and Jennifer Lopez.{{cite magazine |last1=Stransky |first1=Tanner |title="Idol" producer: "We made mistakes" |url=https://ew.com/article/2007/07/25/idol-producer-we-made-mistakes/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=February 26, 2020 |date=July 25, 2007}}

In the top thirteen in the eighth season, the expected phone number for finalist Alexis Grace, IDOLS-13, was not owned by American Idol, but by a company called Intimate Encounters, who used it as a sex line. Although host Ryan Seacrest made ample mention of the replacement phone number, IDOLS-36, some commentators feared that the phone number confusion could have led to Grace being inadvertently voted off the show.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1606780/will-american-idol-phone-number-snafu-sink-alexis-grace/|title=Will 'Idol' Phone Snafu Sink Alexis Grace?|website=MTV|access-date=March 15, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090314013235/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1606780/20090311/story.jhtml| archive-date= March 14, 2009 | url-status= dead}} However, she was not voted off that week.

In May 2009, following allegations in the media of an American Idol texting scandal dubbed "Textgate", one of American Idol's corporate sponsors, AT&T, admitted providing free mobile phones and texting services for fans of Kris Allen (who won the competition) at parties organized on the night of the program's final episode.{{cite web |url=http://www.congoo.com/news/2009May28/Idol-voting-system-invites-controversy |title=AT&T May Have Swayed American Idol to Kris Allen – Congoo |publisher=Congoo.com |access-date=2012-04-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214171253/http://www.congoo.com/news/2009May28/Idol-voting-system-invites-controversy |archive-date=2012-02-14 |url-status=dead }} Company representatives also provided Allen's supporters with lessons in how to send "power texts" which send ten or more votes with the touch of a single button. Bobby Kierna, one of the 2,000 guests who attended just one of the events, told reporters that she had voted for Allen 10,840 times.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/is-american-idol-voting-all-phoney-1693487.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607050630/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/is-american-idol-voting-all-phoney-1693487.html |archive-date=2009-06-07 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Is 'American Idol' voting all phoney? |publisher=Independent.co.uk |date=2009-05-31 |access-date=2012-04-21}} AT&T denied attempting to "fix" the contest and apologized, saying that employees had been "caught up in their enthusiasm" and promised that they will in future "celebrate the competition, not individual contestants".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/business/media/28idol.html|title='Idol' Producers Stand by Outcome |work=New York Times |date=2009-05-28 |access-date=2019-11-24|first=Edward |last=Wyatt}}

While speculations were rife over the reasons for Allen's win over Adam Lambert,{{cite web|url=http://www.karaoketraveler.com/idolat_tstealvote060709.html |title=Did AT&T Steal the Idol Vote? |publisher=Karaoketraveler.com |date=June 7, 2009 |access-date=February 24, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113125439/http://www.karaoketraveler.com/idolat_tstealvote060709.html |archive-date=November 13, 2010 }} in a statement, Fox said that an independent monitor was employed to oversee the voting process to ensure the competition results were "fair, accurate and verified."{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10575622 |title=Textgate: Is 'American Idol' voting fake? |last=Adams|first=Guy |date=May 31, 2009 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=October 14, 2011}}

Michael Slezak of EW stated, "So you’d think by season 9 — during the inconsequential semifinals, no less — it would be easy to brush off the bad judgment of speed-texting tweens, to process the way-too-early exits of Lilly Scott, Katelyn Epperly, and Alex Lambert (plus the sort-of-maybe-too-early ouster of Todrick Hall), and move on. So why do the ritual killings of the dreams of four indisputably flawed semifinalists feel like they’re part of something bigger, a shifting of the tectonic plates at the core of the Idol universe?"{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/recap/american-idol-recap-season-9-episode-21/|title=American Idol recap: The Unbearable Triteness of Leaving|publisher=ew.com|date=March 12, 2010|last=Slezak|first=Michael}}

Siobhan Magnus's elimination caused a stir among the judges and fans of the show.{{YouTube|exUbYR7Lv8E|Ellen Reacts to Siobhan's Elimination.}} The controversy grew when it was discovered that a phone number printed on Facebook was not a number to vote for Magnus, but to vote for Aaron Kelly.[http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978209058 Siobhan Magnus wrong number led to vote off?] Gather.com May 01, 2010 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509102533/http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978209058 |date=May 9, 2010 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=119255731424489&id=266023071895 |title= VOTE NOW!!! 1-866-436-5705. AT&T CUSTOMERS TEXT "VOTE" TO 5705!|website=Facebook |date=2012-04-21}} Some commentators speculated that the phone number mix-up may have led to Magnus's exit. An unsuccessful campaign to bring Magnus back into the show was started by her fans.{{cite web|url=http://www.beatweek.com/news/5267-siobhan-magnus-fans-launch-petition-to-get-back-on-american-idol/ |title=Siobhan Magnus fans launch petition to get back on American Idol. Beatweek Magazine April 29, 2010 |publisher=Beatweek.com |date=2010-04-29 |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524140119/http://www.beatweek.com/news/5267-siobhan-magnus-fans-launch-petition-to-get-back-on-american-idol/ |archive-date=2012-05-24 }}

American Idol faced criticism for implications of gender and ethnic bias in its finalists; for five consecutive seasons—seven through eleven—the winner of American Idol was a guitar-playing, Caucasian male. The string of winners led to complaints by critics, who classified them as being a "white guy with guitar" (WGWG), and felt that the likely winner of the program had become too predictable due to the repeated victories by such performers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-phillip-phillips-win-327910|title=Top 4 Reasons Why Phillip Phillips Will Win 'American Idol' (And Why He Won't)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 22, 2012|access-date=May 23, 2012|first=Shirley|last=Halperin}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/american-idol-phillip-phillips_b_1541360|title='American Idol': Why Phillip Phillips And The White Guy With Guitar Trend Are Bad For Business |work=HuffPost|date=May 24, 2012|access-date=May 24, 2012|first=Laura|last=Prudom}}

The first five contestants eliminated from the finals in the tenth season were all female, which led some critics to believe that it was partly due to the demographic of the voters being skewed towards women who tended to vote for men.[http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/media/content/pia-toscano-now-gone-can-american-idol-do-anything-about-its-woman-problem With Pia Toscano now gone, can American Idol do anything about its woman problem?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913143912/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/media/content/pia-toscano-now-gone-can-american-idol-do-anything-about-its-woman-problem |date=2011-09-13 }} Retrieved March 30, 2013[https://web.archive.org/web/20110414141238/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42541162/ns/today-entertainment/ Sorry, ladies. 'Idol's' just not that into you Female hopefuls keep getting the boot, while guys who aren't as good stick around] Idol producer Ken Warwick said, "It's no secret that most reality shows are female driven, either by moms or by young girls. It does mean we're going to get a heftier amount of female votes and it's always bent towards the boys, obviously, we are very much aware that the voting can be skewed towards the boys."{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2011/04/why-did-pia-toscano-leave-idol-so-soon/1 |title=Why did Pia Toscano leave 'Idol' so soon? |publisher=Content.usatoday.com |date=2011-04-08 |access-date=2012-04-21}}{{cite web |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/american-idol-voting-methods-judges-are-to-blame-for-the-girls-downfall.html |title='American Idol': Voting methods, judges are to blame for the girls' downfall |publisher=Zap2it |date=2011-04-08 |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407225843/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/american-idol-voting-methods-judges-are-to-blame-for-the-girls-downfall.html |archive-date=2012-04-07 }}{{cite web |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/american-idol-ep-ken-warwick-maybe-we-change-the-voting-system-slightly-next-year.html |title='American Idol' EP Ken Warwick: 'Maybe we change the voting system slightly next year' |work=Zap2It |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606200751/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/american-idol-ep-ken-warwick-maybe-we-change-the-voting-system-slightly-next-year.html |archive-date=2012-06-06 }} In response to the criticism, the producers considered tweaking the voting format for the following season to correct the bias.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna42687120 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425035637/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42687120/ns/today-entertainment |url-status=live |archive-date=2011-04-25 |title='Idol' considers voting tweaks to fix boy bias |work=Today |date=2011-04-20 |access-date=2012-04-21}} The last of these five girls to be eliminated was a presumed front-runner, Pia Toscano, and her elimination drew considerable criticisms, with various former Idol alums and celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher and Tom Hanks expressing shock and surprise.{{cite magazine|author =Us Weekly |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/jennifer-hudson-tom-hanks-outraged-over-pia-toscanos-idol-elimination-20110408 |title=Jennifer Hudson, Tom Hanks Outraged Over Pia Toscano's 'Idol' Elimination | Rolling Stone Culture |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=2011-04-08 |access-date=2011-08-06}}

Prior to the eleventh season finale, which saw the victory of the fifth "WGWG" winner Phillip Phillips, American Idol: The Untold Story author Richard Rushfield explained that the notions of attractiveness and personality of these contestants had influenced their victories, stating that "You have this alliance between young girls and grandmas and they see it, not necessarily as a contest to create a pop star competing on the contemporary radio, but as ... who's the nicest guy in a popularity contest," and going on to say that these tactics had "led to this dynasty of four, and possibly now five, consecutive, affable, very nice, good-looking white boys." Jessica Sanchez's loss in the eleventh season finale has been retrospectively cited by observers as one of the factors for the show's prolonged steep viewership decline following the said season on both of Idol's latter runs on Fox and ABC.{{Cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/05/american-idol-expert-says-jessica-sanchez-cant-win/|title="American Idol" Expert Says Jessica Sanchez Can't Win|agency=ABC News|work=ABC|date=May 23, 2012|access-date=May 23, 2012}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-idol-finale-earns-lowest-ratings-ever/|title="American Idol" finale earns lowest ratings ever"|agency=CBS News|work=ABC|date=May 23, 2012|access-date=May 23, 2012}}

Angie Miller's elimination drew considerable criticisms. Miller was considered a fan-favorite, often placing in the voting's top ranks and becoming the season's sole finalist to not land in the bottom group until her elimination in the Top 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/american-idol-finalists-1065309/|title=American Idol Finalists Talk Thursday's Shocking Results, Randy Jackson's Departure|first=Rob|last=Moynihan|date=May 10, 2013|work=TV Guide|access-date=February 26, 2020}} The elimination was described by journalists as "shocking" and "surprising".

Malaya Watson's elimination caused stir amongst many fans with some stating that the judges use of the "Judges Save" on April 3, 2014 should have been used on her. Some said that Malaya deserved to win and others announced that they would no longer watch the show as they were outraged by her elimination. Judge Jennifer Lopez revealed in an interview that she was outraged and disappointed with the result and believed that Malaya did not deserve to be eliminated from the show; then added that she wished she could've done something about it.{{Cite web|url=http://americanidolnet.com/jennifer-lopez-very-sad-over-malaya-watson-elimination-interview/|title = Jennifer Lopez "Very Sad" over Malaya Watson Elimination [Interview]|date = April 11, 2014}} American Idol eleventh season runner-up Jessica Sanchez stated on Twitter her anger and disappointment with Malaya's elimination. Stating "Mad and disappointed about it Malaya should have been safe. #idoldisagree" {{Cite web|url=http://americanidolnet.com/jessica-sanchez-mad-about-malaya-watson-elimination/|title = Jessica Sanchez 'Mad' About Malaya Watson Elimination|date = April 11, 2014}} Dozens of American Idol reviewers also stated their disappointment and outrage with the result saying that Watson did not deserve to go home.

Nineteenth season contestant Murphy was not picked for the Top 24 by the judges. His elimination was largely attentional on Twitter, with the hashtag #BringBackMurphy being used most often.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/twitter-outraged-over-idol-judges-035331514.html|date = April 13, 2023 | title=Twitter is outraged over 'Idol' judges eliminating half-blind contestant on his birthday }}

Nineteenth season added a comeback round where contestants from the previous season competed to earn a place in the live shows. When eighteen-season runner-up Arthur Gunn was selected for this contest alongside several semifinalists, fans claimed he was being given an unfair advantage. Gunn won the contest and joined the competition at the final ten. His comeback was unpopular with many fans, with some claiming that the nineteenth season was rigged for him to win at the expense of favorites such as Grace Kinstler or Willie Spence, who had been part of the series from the beginning.{{Cite web|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/american-idol/why-american-idol-fans-think-season-19-is-rigged/|title = Why 'American Idol' Fans Think Season 19 is 'Rigged'|date = May 4, 2021 | last1=Heyn | first1=Beth }} An unsuccessful campaign to disqualify Gunn from the competition was started by fans of the contestants that originally auditioned for the nineteenth season. Gunn was eventually eliminated during the top seven round.

American Idol had come under fire for maintaining what some claim to be total control of the careers of the contestants that sign with their company, 19 Entertainment.{{cite web|last=Grant |first=Drew |url=http://www.salon.com/entertainment/feature/2002/09/18/idol_contract |title=Slave of Celebrity |work=Salon.com |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212095247/http://www.salon.com/entertainment/feature/2002/09/18/idol_contract |archive-date=2010-02-12 }} The contract the contestants are required to sign gives Simon Fuller's company the right to oversee not just the recording deal for American Idol stars, but also control any merchandising, touring, sponsorship and movie deals.{{cite web|url=http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/3943498 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924125302/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/3943498 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-24 |title=Simon Fuller: 'American Idol' Svengali |publisher=MSNBC |date=2004-01-20 |access-date=2012-04-21}} It also gives the producer the right to "record any and all behavior of the contestant "in and in connection with the series" and use the contestant's likeness, voice and any or all biographical material, whether true or false, any way they want to", and forbade the contestants to reveal anything about the show where any breaches of confidentiality can result in damages assumed to be in excess of $5 million.

According to National Geographic Channel investigator and journalist Eric Olsen, 'Branding' is what Fuller is all about. Lucian Grainge, chairman and chief executive of Universal Music U.K. was quoted as saying:

{{blockquote|He redefines the role of manager for the 21st century. He treats pop acts as brands, to be exploited over different media, rather than human performers who make money selling records and playing concerts. He is a genius — he makes everyone else look like complete amateurs.}}

In his article, Olsen was critical of Fuller for the contract that his contestants must sign, where the finalists become essentially "forever and throughout the universe" properties of 19 Management.{{cite book | last = Overbury | first = Steve | year = 2007 | title = Guns, Cash and Rock 'n' Roll: The Managers | publisher = Mainstream Publishing | isbn = 978-1-84596-234-0 }}

On July 29, 2009, Lyndsey Parker at Yahoo's "Reality Rocks" headlined "Ex-Idol Contestant Says Show Is Rigged," reported that Ju'Not Joyner charged that, "It's a fixed thing if I ever saw one," and that, after initial competitions, when winners reach a serious stage, a bad contract is offered, a "slavetract." Joyner claimed that he was cut out of further competition at this late stage, because, "I have a son to feed. I HAD to ask questions and know what I was signing. Plus I write my own songs and I needed to know details" of what rights he'd be giving up. He charged that he was told, essentially, "Just shut up and sign," or else he'd lose the next round. He speculated that perhaps the reason Kris Allen had beaten runner-up Adam Lambert was that the producers weren't satisfied with what Lambert had accepted.{{cite web |last=Markovitz |first=Adam |url= https://ew.com/article/2009/07/30/american-idol-ju-not-joyner/ |title=Ex-Idol Contestant Says Show Is Rigged|publisher=Entertainment Weekly |date=2009-07-29 |access-date=2012-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206061927/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/253976/ex-idol-contestant-says-show-is-rigged/ |archive-date=2010-02-06 }}

• Delano Cagnolatti, a contestant who successfully made it through to the semi-finals, later revealed that he lied about his age to escape the cutoff date set in the rules. He was quickly disqualified and replaced by Ejay Day, thus becoming the first American Idol contestant to be disqualified.{{citation needed|date=October 2014}}
• Jim Verraros was the first openly gay contestant on the show. He was told by FOX to remove all gay comments from his online journal. Verraros later explained, "It wasn't because I was gay. It was because they thought I was trying to gain more votes and have that little extra edge."Steele, Bruce C., [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_2003_Jan_21/ai_96072143 A Teen Idol's dreams], The Advocate via Findarticles.com, 2003-01-21, Retrieved on 2007-03-03.

• Corey Clark was disqualified just nine hours after it was revealed on The Smoking Gun that he had undisclosed pending criminal charges.{{cite web|author =Time Waster |url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/fall-another-idol |title=The Fall Of Another "Idol" |publisher=Thesmokinggun.com |date=2003-03-31 |access-date=2012-04-21}}{{cite web|author =Time Waster |url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/corey-clark-booted-idol |title=Corey Clark Booted From "Idol" |publisher=Thesmokinggun.com |date=2003-03-31 |access-date=2012-04-21}} Later in 2005, first in Globe magazine,{{cite web|last=Walls |first=Jeannette |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/ex-idol-contestant-claims-abdul-affair-wbna7591639|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511122852/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/7591639/ns/today-entertainment/t/ex-idol-contestant-claims-abdul-affair |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-05-11 |title=Ex-'Idol' contestant claims Abdul affair |publisher=Today|date=2005-04-28 |access-date=2020-02-26}} then in an hour-long ABC's Primetime special, as well as a book They Told Me to Tell the Truth, So ... (The Sex, Lies, and Paulatics of One of America's Idols), he claimed to have had an affair with Paula Abdul. He played a voicemail message from someone sounding like Abdul in which she said "if the press are trying to talk to you, say absolutely nothing."{{cite web|last=Kaufman |first=Gil |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501304/corey-clark-advertises-affair-posts-book.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122052026/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501304/corey-clark-advertises-affair-posts-book.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 22, 2011 |title=Corey Clark Advertises Paula Abdul Affair, LP On 'Primetime |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2005-05-05 |access-date=2012-04-21}} He also claimed that Abdul helped him with his look and song selection so he could advance further in the competition. He further claimed that he was disqualified not for his criminal past, but rather for "making waves" by getting other contestants to insist on their own lawyer before they would sign their contract, a move that he asserted he had done following Abdul's advice.{{cite web|last=Harris |first=Chris |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501446/corey-clark-paula-told-me-loved-me.jhtml?headlines=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311012832/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501446/corey-clark-paula-told-me-loved-me.jhtml?headlines=true |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 11, 2011 |title=Corey Clark Says Paula Abdul 'Told Me She Loved Me' |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2005-05-06 |access-date=2012-04-21}} An investigation by external counsel later found that claims by Corey Clark "have not been substantiated by any corroborating evidence or witnesses, including those provided by Mr. Clark," and cleared Paula Abdul.{{cite web|last=Moss |first=Corey |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1507570/idol-investigation-clears-paula-abdul.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107181224/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1507570/idol-investigation-clears-paula-abdul.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |title='Idol' Probe Finds No Proof Of Paula Abdul/ Corey Clark Affair |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2005-08-12 |access-date=2012-04-21}}[http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/fox-investigation-clears-paula-abdul-of-corey-clark-idol-charges-1004200.php Fox investigation clears Paula Abdul of Corey Clark's 'Idol' charges], UPI via realitytvworld.com, 2005-08-12, Retrieved on 2007-03-03. Following the investigation, Idol enhanced its non-fraternization policy in their rules in order to prevent further controversies between contestants and those affiliated with the show.
• Semi-finalist Jaered Andrews was also disqualified. It was later revealed that he was arrested on an assault charge,{{cite web|author =Time Waster |url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/crime/american-idol-finalist-nabbed-assault |title="American Idol" Finalist Nabbed For Assault |publisher=Thesmokinggun.com |date=2003-03-03 |access-date=2012-04-21}} a charge he had previously disclosed to Idol, and that he was later acquitted of.{{cite web|url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-2-semifinalist-jaered-andrews-acquitted-in-bar-fight-death-1992.php |title='American Idol 2' semifinalist Jaered Andrews acquitted in bar fight death |publisher=Realitytvworld.com |access-date=2012-04-21}}
• Semi-finalist Frenchie Davis was removed from the competition when topless photos of her surfaced on an adult website purportedly featuring underage content.[http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/frenchie1.html "American Idol" Star Bounced], The Smoking Gun archive, Retrieved on 2007-03-03.

• Terrell and Derrell Brittenum were twins who were featured prominently on the auditions and successfully made it past the Hollywood rounds in the fifth season, but were subsequently arrested for identity theft and disqualified.Starr, Michael., [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,183020,00.html 'Idol' Twins Booted for Alleged ID Theft] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202111556/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,183020,00.html |date=2013-02-02 }}, Foxnews.com, 2006-01-27, Retrieved on 2007-03-03.
• Mandisa was voted off following her performance of "Any Man of Mine" that she prefaced with a statement about being free from certain addiction and lifestyle that some interpreted as anti-gay. It was revealed she supported Beth Moore who espoused the Ex-gay movement.{{cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/article.aspx?id=36439 |title=Idol finalist Mandisa is big fan of antigay writer |publisher=Advocate.com |access-date=2012-04-21}} Mandisa denied that her statement has anything to do with gay lifestyle; rather, it was about her lifestyle of addiction to food.{{cite web|last=Moss |first=Corey |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528081/mandisa-defends-her-outspoken-spirituality.jhtml?headlines=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107181144/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528081/mandisa-defends-her-outspoken-spirituality.jhtml?headlines=true |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |title=Mandisa Defends Outspoken Spirituality, Waits For Ruben's Call |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2006-04-06 |access-date=2012-04-21}}
• An obsessive fan of Paula Abdul named Paula Goodspeed (born Sandra McIntyre), who had unsuccessfully auditioned before the judges, was found dead from an apparent suicide near Abdul's home in 2008. Abdul later criticized the show for allowing Goodspeed on, and claimed that Goodspeed has been "a stalker" of hers who had sent her "disturbing letters" for over a decade.{{cite web | title=Obsessive Fan of Paula Abdul Commits Suicide | website=ABC News | date=2008-11-13 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=6241069&page=1 | access-date=2024-08-31}}{{cite web | last=Fleeman | first=Mike | title=Paula Goodspeed Sent Abdul Flowers Days Before Suicide | website=Peoplemag | date=2008-11-14 | url=https://people.com/crime/paula-goodspeed-sent-abdul-flowers-days-before-suicide/ | access-date=2024-08-31}}{{cite web | last=Bierly | first=Mandi | title=Paula Abdul calls out 'American Idol' for encouraging stalker | website=EW.com | date=2008-12-10 | url=https://ew.com/article/2008/12/10/paula-abdul-ame/ | access-date=2024-08-31}}{{cite web | title=Abdul fan battled depression, anorexia | website=Bangor Daily News | date=2008-11-23 | url=https://www.bangordailynews.com/2008/11/23/news/abdul-fan-battled-depression-anorexia/ | access-date=2024-08-31}}

• There was controversy surrounding the judges' comments over the audition of a Special Olympics participant named Jonathan Jayne, with Simon Cowell making fun of his weight.[http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/mocked-american-idol-6-hopeful-special-olympics-participant-4594.php Mocked 'American Idol 6' hopeful a Special Olympics participant] In that same episode, Cowell told Kenneth Briggs, a contestant with facial deformities caused by Aarskog syndrome, that he looked like a bush baby.{{cite web | last=Reynolds | first=Donna | title=Idol bits and pieces | website=syracuse | date=2007-01-21 | url=https://www.syracuse.com/idolthoughts/2007/01/idol_bits_and_pieces_1.html | access-date=2024-01-20}}{{cite web | last=Wyatt | first=Edward | title=The Good, the Bad and the Bush Baby: New Low on 'Idol'? | website=The New York Times | date=2007-01-19 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/19/arts/television/19idol.html | access-date=2024-01-20}}{{cite news | last=Moraes | first=Lisa de | title=Cruelty on 'American Idol'? Fox Plays Possum | newspaper=Washington Post | date=2007-01-21 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2007/01/21/cruelty-on-american-idol-fox-plays-possum/5aae3999-4072-4492-bd51-7b18428160c9/ | access-date=2024-01-20}} The comments were suggested to be "a new low" for American Idol in The New York Times. Facing backlash, Cowell backtracked on his "bush baby" remark.{{cite web |last=Boedeker |first=Hal |date=2007-01-21 |title='Bush baby' jibe on 'Idol' uncalled for, Cowell says |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/os-xpm-2007-01-21-a2story21-story.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Chicago Tribune}} The show's producers later donated $1,500 to the Milwaukee County Zoo for it to name its own bush baby 'Simon'.{{cite web | title=OK, Simon, who's the bush baby now? | website=HeraldNet/Associated Press | date=2007-05-25 | url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/ok-simon-whos-the-bush-baby-now/ | access-date=2024-01-20}} American Idol producer Ken Warwick responded by saying that "It's not a conscious decision. It's just that the further we go in the series, there are less and less good singers, so the numbers are made up by more bad ones." Warwick said that he thinks everyone has the right to audition, and added that in some instances when there are singers with certain disabilities who just want to meet the judges, the producers will "turn the cameras off and bring them in. We give them a good experience."[http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-and-special-olympics-respond-cruelty-allegations-4599.php 'American Idol' and Special Olympics respond to cruelty allegations]
• A website featured salacious pictures of the sixth season contestant Antonella Barba. These pictures have received mainstream attention including a full segment concerning the controversy on the February 26, 2007 edition of FOX News' The O'Reilly Factor and also on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann, both of which showed screenshots from Vote for the Worst pages featuring these images. It was later proven that the more explicit images, depicting sexual acts were not of Barba, but of an unnamed woman with a resemblance to Barba.[https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/24/entertainment/ap/main2509675.shtml Racy Web Photos Linked To 'Idol' Singer] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202032236/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/24/entertainment/ap/main2509675.shtml |date=2008-12-02 }} CBSNews.comTranscript, [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna17365649 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann' for Feb. 26], NBC News.com, 2007-02-26, Retrieved on 2007-03-03.
• A gay contestant named Ian Benardo, who auditioned in New York and was later invited back to the final, sued American Idol in 2011 claiming the show hired him to play an "extra flamboyant" character and abandoned him after making him "the most hated contestant ever". Benardo further alleged he had been subject to homophobic slurs from producers and stars on the show. The lawsuit was dismissed.{{cite web | last=Brown | first=Karina | title='American Idol' Sued for Harassment | website=Courthouse News Service | date=2024-09-09 | url=https://www.courthousenews.com/american-idol-sued-for-harassment/ | access-date=2024-09-17}}{{cite web | last=Fisher | first=Janon | title='American Idol' Lawsuit Tossed Out | website=Adweek | date=2011-06-24 | url=https://www.adweek.com/convergent-tv/american-idol-lawsuit-tossed-out-132852/ | access-date=2024-09-17}}

• The seventh season contestant Carly Smithson stirred up controversy due to a prior major label record deal she had with MCA Records. It was reported that MCA spent over 2 million dollars promoting Smithson's previous album Ultimate High, which she made under the name Carly Hennessy.{{cite web|last=Parker |first=Lyndsey |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/13980/irish-idol-smithsons-secret-past |title=Irish Idol: Smithson's Secret Past |publisher=New.music.yahoo.com |date=2008-02-14 |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001172053/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/13980/irish-idol-smithsons-secret-past |archive-date=2011-10-01 }}{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1014678641479060480?mod=Page+One | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=Pop Singer Fails to Strike a Chord Despite the Millions Spent by MCA | date=2002-02-26 | first=Jennifer | last=Ordoñez}} The album was claimed to have sold only 378 copies, but has since been made available on iTunes, where it has sold another 378 copies. Randy Jackson also worked for MCA as the senior vice president of A&R during the same period of time that Smithson was signed.{{cite web |url=http://votefortheworst.com/20080128/carly_smithson_plot_thickens_should_she_be_disqualified_working_randy_jackson_past |title=The Carly Smithson Plot Thickens ... Should She Be Disqualified for Working with Randy Jackson in the Past? |publisher=Vote for the Worst |date=2008-01-28 |access-date=2012-04-21 |archive-date=2010-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218060833/http://votefortheworst.com/20080128/carly_smithson_plot_thickens_should_she_be_disqualified_working_randy_jackson_past |url-status=dead }} It has led to suggestions by some that she was placed there by the producers, perhaps to avoid having another Sanjaya Malakar, or to ensure a more professional and marketable artist wins.{{cite web |url=http://www.votefortheworst.com/story/518/the-truth-about-the-contestants-of-american-idol/ |title=The Truth About the Contestants of American Idol 7 |publisher=Votefortheworst.com |access-date=2012-04-21 |archive-date=2012-02-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216164552/http://www.votefortheworst.com/story/518/the-truth-about-the-contestants-of-american-idol/ |url-status=dead }} According to a poll conducted by AOL Television, 63 percent of those polled believed that contestants who have already had record deals should not be contestants on American Idol.{{cite news |title=Underwood most popular "Idol," Castro overrated |work=Reuters |date=2008-05-19 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1944905320080519 | first=Jill | last=Serjeant}}
• Other contestants, such as Robbie Carrico, also had prior record deals – he had a minor hit in 2000 with the single "Messed Around", as well as opening for Britney Spears in 1999 as a member of Boyz N Girlz United.{{cite web |url=http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/01/31/former-britney-flame-headed-to-hollywood-on-american-idol/ |title=Former Britney Flame Headed to Hollywood on American Idol – Fall TV Watch |publisher=People |date=2008-01-31 |access-date=2010-08-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731062943/http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/01/31/former-britney-flame-headed-to-hollywood-on-american-idol/ |archive-date=2012-07-31 }} Others reported to have record deals included finalists Michael Johns and Kristy Lee Cook.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/WaterCooler/story?id=4315159 |title='American Idol': Are They Really Pros? |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=2008-02-20 |access-date=2012-04-21}}
• David Hernandez, one of the top 12 in the seventh season, was revealed by Vote for the Worst to have worked as a male stripper in Phoenix, Arizona.{{cite web |url=http://www.votefortheworst.com/story/580/davidhernandezgaystripper/ |title=David Hernandez: Gay Stripper? |publisher=Votefortheworst.com |date=2008-02-23 |access-date=2012-04-21 |archive-date=2012-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420204820/http://www.votefortheworst.com/story/580/davidhernandezgaystripper/ |url-status=dead }} According to the owner of Dick's Cabaret, Hernandez's job included a routine featuring full nudity and performing lap dances for male clientele.{{cite magazine| url=https://ew.com/article/2008/03/05/american-idol-finalist-former-stripper/| magazine=Entertainment Weekly | title= American Idol finalist -- former stripper?| date=2008-03-05|access-date=2020-02-26}}

• The eighth season semifinalist Joanna Pacitti raised a lot of parallels to Carly Smithson when it was revealed that Pacitti had a prior record deal with A&M Records. She had recorded a song used in the film Legally Blonde, "Out from Under"; a song that was featured on the soundtrack of the film Bratz, which was later re-recorded by Britney Spears; and a 2006 record deal after she changed to Geffen Records and released This Crazy Life.{{cite web |url=http://www.votefortheworst.com/20090121/real_deal_joanna_pacitti |title=The Real Deal on Joanna Pacitti |publisher=Vote for the Worst |date=2009-01-21 |access-date=2012-04-21 |archive-date=2013-12-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216194840/http://www.votefortheworst.com/20090121/real_deal_joanna_pacitti |url-status=dead }} She made the semifinals for the eighth season; however, after it was alleged by Star Magazine that she may have a connection with two executives of 19 Entertainment, Pacitti was disqualified from the show. She was then replaced by Felicia Barton, who did not make the Top 13.{{cite web|url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-disqualifies-joanna-pacitti-from-eighth-season-competition-8428.php |title=Joanna Pacitti disqualified from the eighth season of 'American Idol' |publisher=Realitytvworld.com |access-date=2012-04-21}}{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2009/02/12/joanna-pacitti/ |title=Joanna Pacitti out of 'American Idol,' Felicia Barton in. |date=February 12, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |last=Slezak |first=Michael|magazine=Entertainment Weekly }}

• Chris Golightly, who had originally been selected for the top 24, was disqualified on February 15, 2010 for being in a recording contract at the time of his original audition.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1632112/chris-golightly-disqualified-from-american-idol-top-24/|title=Chris Golightly Disqualified From 'American Idol' Top 24|publisher=MTV|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=February 18, 2010|access-date=February 26, 2020| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100325155629/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1632112/20100218/story.jhtml| archive-date= March 25, 2010 | url-status= dead}} Golightly later provided documentation indicating that his recording contract was no longer binding at the time of his original audition; however, this was disputed by his management who claimed he signed a new 2-year contract two months before his audition.{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2010/02/chris-golightly-was-under-contract-says-recording-company-head/1 |title=Chris Golightly was under contract, says recording company head |publisher=USA Today |date=2010-02-18 |access-date=2012-04-21}} He was replaced by Tim Urban.{{cite web |last=Lachonis |first=Jon |url= https://www.tvovermind.com/american-idol-scandal-golightly-does-not-go-quietly/|title='Idol' Scandal: Chris Golightly Does Not Go Quietly |website=TV Overmind|date=2010-02-18 |access-date=2012-04-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224175629/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/316970/idol-scandal-chris-golightly-does-not-go-quietly/ |archive-date=2010-12-24 }}
• Todrick Hall, a top 16 finalist who used to be a children's play director, came under fire on February 20, 2010 for charging several parents a $50 fee for auditioning for a musical called "Oz, the Musical". The musical got cancelled, but money charged for the auditions was never refunded.{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Billy |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/thatsreallyweek/64496/feb14-21-the-american-idol-dream-can-sometimes-be-a-nightmare/ |title=Feb.14–21: The American [Idol] Dream Can Sometimes Be A Nightmare |publisher=Yahoo! Music |date=2010-02-20 |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228165026/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/thatsreallyweek/64496/feb14-21-the-american-idol-dream-can-sometimes-be-a-nightmare |archive-date=2010-02-28 }} Hall, however, denied that he, being the director rather than the producer, was ever involved in the financial aspect of the production.{{cite web|url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/todrick-hall-now-that-idol-is-35239.aspx |title=Todrick Hall: Now That 'Idol' Is Over, He's Going for 'Glee' |publisher=Buddytv.com |date=2010-03-15 |access-date=2012-04-21}} Hall was ultimately eliminated before the top 12.

• Jermaine Jones, one of the top 12 of the eleventh season, was disqualified on March 13, 2012, for failing to disclose past criminal charges to the Idol producers. Jones was charged with two crimes in 2011, one involving violence, and had 4 outstanding warrants since his arrests.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-jermaine-jones-disqualified-concealing-crimes-299285|title='American Idol' Contestant Jermaine Jones Disqualified From Competition|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 13, 2012|access-date=March 14, 2012|last=Angermiller|first=Michele Amabile}} Jones, however, denied that he had concealed his previous arrests, as he had admitted his arrests when he signed up for Idol.{{cite news |first=Kevin|last=O'Donnell |title=Jermaine Jones: I Didn't Know I Broke American Idol's Rules |url=https://people.com/tv/jermaine-jones-i-didnt-know-i-broke-american-idols-rules/ |publisher=People |date=March 16, 2012 }} A police official in a New Jersey town where he is the target of two arrest warrants said that "the case wasn't big enough to merit going after him", and that for the show "to expose, embarrass, and interrogate a young man without an attorney in front of 40 million viewers was an outrage".{{cite news|author=Beth DeFalco |title=Cops: Wasn't worth chasing 'Idol' on small charges |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Cops-Wasn-t-worth-chasing-Idol-on-small-charges-3409991.php |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Seattle pi |date=March 15, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Critics suggested that the show may have staged the disqualification to boost ratings.{{cite news |author =Shirley Halperin |title='American Idol': Did Show Producers Plot the Jermaine Jones Scandal in Advance? (Opinion) | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-jermaine-jones-disqualified-producers-300015 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 14, 2012 }}

• Caleb Kennedy, who had been voted into the top five in nineteenth season, left the competition on May 12, 2021 after a controversial Snapchat video resurfaced online showing Kennedy sitting next to an unidentified person wearing what appears to be a Ku Klax Klan hood. He later apologized for the unexpected incident.{{cite news|author=Kayla Keegan |title='American Idol' Finalist Caleb Kennedy Exits The Show After Controversial Video Resurfaces Online |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/american-idol-finalist-caleb-kennedy-exits-the-show-after-controversial-video-resurfaces-online/ar-BB1gJQjN?ocid=msedgdhp |work=Delish |date=May 14, 2021 }}

During the sixth and seventh season finales, the show went over its scheduled 2-hour time limit and ended at 10:09 PM EST. Many DVR users claimed the recording ended before the new winners (Jordin Sparks and David Cook) were announced shortly after 10 PM. FOX executives apologized, and during the eighth season Top 2 performance show, host Ryan Seacrest warned viewers that the finale would run overtime.

On the April 7, 2009 performance episode of the eighth season, the show ended nearly eight minutes past its set ending time. This caused viewers who recorded the program to completely miss the show's final performance, Adam Lambert's performance of "Mad World" by Tears for Fears, which received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell.

On the April 21, 2010 Idol Gives Back special, the show went over its scheduled 2-hour slot to 10:24 PM EST. Seacrest did warn viewers at the end of the previous night's performance show that the episode would run overtime. Due to this, Tim Urban, the contestant that was eliminated that night, did not get to sing his final song.

Immediately after winning American Idol on September 4, 2002, Kelly Clarkson was arranged to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" by her then management company, 19 Entertainment, at a special commemoration the following week for the first anniversary of September 11 attacks at the Lincoln Memorial. It drew criticisms that the producers of American Idol were turning a somber occasion of national mourning into a "giant promotional opportunity".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/07/us/traces-of-terror-the-singer-idol-star-rethinks-9-11-role.html |title=TRACES OF TERROR: THE SINGER; 'Idol' Star Rethinks 9/11 Role |work=The New York Times |date=2002-09-07 |access-date=2012-04-21 |first=Alex |last=Kuczynski}} Clarkson considered withdrawing from the commemoration, saying that "I think it is a bad idea. If anybody thinks I'm trying to market anything, well, that's awful" and added, "I am not going to do it."{{cite web |last=Silverman |first=Stephen M. |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,624716,00.html |title=Kelly Clarkson Hits Sour Note over 9/11 |publisher=People |date=2002-09-09 |access-date=2012-04-21 |archive-date=2014-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310170201/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,624716,00.html |url-status=dead }} However, she was unable to withdraw from the event.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}

During the course of the second season, Ruben Studdard became known for wearing 205 Flava jerseys representing his area code. Shortly after the end of the contest Studdard sued 205 Flava, Inc for $2 million for using his image for promotional purposes. Flava responded by alleging that Studdard had accepted over $10,000 in return for wearing 205 shirts, and produced eight cashed checks to validate their claim. The allegations, if true, were a clear violation of the American Idol rules.Paulsen, Wade., [http://www.realitytvworld.com/index/articles/story.php?s=1518 205 Flava claims secret payoffs to 'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard], realitytvword.com, 2003-08-06, Retrieved on 2007-03-02. The lawsuit was later settled out of court.Paulsen, Wade., [http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/ruben-studdard-settles-lawsuit-against-birmingham-jersey-maker-205-flava-2109.php Ruben Studdard settles lawsuit against Birmingham jersey-maker 205 Flava], realitytvword.com, 2003-12-22, Retrieved on 2007-03-02.

On April 17, 2007, a day after the Virginia Tech Massacre, after the critique of his performance, contestant Chris Richardson and Ryan Seacrest were discussing the massacre, when the camera switched over to Simon Cowell, who appeared to be rolling his eyes either at the tragedy or Richardson's invoking of it. Cowell claims he was actually speaking to Paula Abdul and did not hear Richardson mention the tragedy. The next day, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe issued a statement about what really happened on the show,[http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=704Simon American Idol] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130117010119/http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=704Simon |date=2013-01-17 }} and on the results show that night, Cowell stated that he would never disrespect any of the victims. A screen clip was then shown depicting Cowell and Abdul talking with an inset of Richardson and Seacrest talking.{{YouTube|uYinhmYCCoU|Simon Cowell Explains The Controversy}} The clip demonstrated that Cowell and Abdul did have a brief exchange as the contestant began his statement. However, neither Abdul nor Cowell were speaking at the mention of the words Virginia Tech and Cowell looked directly at Richardson as he completed his statement of support for the students.

Prior to the March 17, 2010 results episode of the ninth season delayed airing on the west coast, Ryan Seacrest tweeted the outcome of the episode, which angered some fans.{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2010/03/ryan-seacrest-spoiler-ignites-twitter-revolt.html |work=The Los Angeles Times |title=Idol Tracker |date=2010-03-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322192955/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2010/03/ryan-seacrest-spoiler-ignites-twitter-revolt.html |archive-date=March 22, 2010 }} That episode of the show then suffered "the smallest audience among 18–49 year-olds for a regularly scheduled in-season episode in Idol history."{{cite news| url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tvblog/2010/03/seacrest-spoils-west-coast-ido.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924135910/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tvblog/2010/03/seacrest-spoils-west-coast-ido.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 24, 2012 | newspaper=The Washington Post | title='Idol' suffers historic ratings low after Seacrest spoils it}}{{cite web|last=Blauvelt |first=Christian |url=https://ew.com/article/2010/03/18/american-idol-ryan-seacrest/ |title='American Idol': Ryan Seacrest spoils results show on Twitter |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |date=2010-03-18 |access-date=2012-04-21}}

For the seventh season Top 5 episode, originally aired April 29, 2008, the judging was modified in order to fit two songs per contestant into the show. Rather than judging each performance, the judges waited until each contestant had sung once, then were to give a quick critique of each contestants' first song. When the judging came to Paula, she commented on Jason Castro's first song, then proceeded to critique his second song that he had not yet sung.{{cite news| url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/30/american-idol-trainwreck_n_99348.html | work=The Huffington Post | title=American Idol Trainwreck: Paula Abdul Judges Song Not Sung | date=April 30, 2008 | first=Katherine | last=Thomson}} This led to speculation that the show was scripted or rigged. The next day, Abdul claimed on Seacrest's radio show that she listened to the performances in rehearsal and in the rushed atmosphere of the show was confused and thought she was supposed to critique both.

During the tenth season online critics from major news sources like Brian Mansfield of USA Today, Dalton Ross of Entertainment Weekly, Andrea Reiher of Zap2it, and Tom Gliatto of People Magazine criticized the judges for being too nice, not being honest enough, offering hardly any constructive criticism towards the contestants, and for not giving any guidance and direction for the viewers/voters in terms of why they should or should not be voting for someone.{{cite web|last=Gliatto |first=Tom |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20481499,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415230258/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20481499,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 15, 2011 |title=Are the American Idol Judges Too Nice? |publisher=People |date=2011-04-13 |access-date=2012-04-21}}{{cite web|last=Blauvelt |first=Christian |url=https://ew.com/article/2011/04/08/insidetv-podcast-pia-toscano-american-idol-parenthood-survivor/ |title=InsideTV Podcast: Are the judges to blame for Pia's shocking 'American Idol' exit? Plus, we break down the latest on 'Parenthood' and 'Survivor' |publisher=Entertainment Weekly|date=2011-04-08 |access-date=2012-04-21}} Executive producer Ken Warwick responded to these criticisms and said, "The truth of the matter is these kids are very good and I wouldn't influence the judges to say anything they don't absolutely believe ... They are trying to keep things on the straight and narrow. What they feel are genuine feelings, that's all I can ask them to do." Nigel Lythgoe, another executive producer, also responded to these criticisms on his Twitter that "IT IS NOT ABOUT THE JUDGES OPINION IT'S ABOUT YOURS!! U R NOT SHEEP!"{{cite web |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/nigel-lythgoe-on-american-idols-shocking-elimination-its-not-about-the-judges-opinion.html |title=Nigel Lythgoe on 'American Idol's' shocking elimination: 'It's not about the judges' opinion' |publisher=Zap2it |date=2011-04-08 |access-date=2012-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013005559/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/nigel-lythgoe-on-american-idols-shocking-elimination-its-not-about-the-judges-opinion.html |archive-date=2012-10-13 }}

Many fans of ninth season winner, Lee DeWyze, were upset that he did not take part in the tenth season finale like he was rumored to. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe responded on his Twitter that he asked DeWyze to take part in the finale, but he declined, "I was so upset Lee DeWyze wouldn't present the winners trophy to Scotty," he wrote. "Especially as he'd been on the show this Season. I guess he was shy." However, DeWyze said that he was actually not asked to take part in the finale. "Just for the record ... I was not asked to be involved in the Finale. It wasn't until about 2 minutes before they announced that Nigel had approached me and asked if he could "borrow" me for a second. I didn't feel a last second jump on stage was appropriate. It was Scotty's moment. I appreciate American Idol, and the opportunity it has given me. And the people who have made that show possible. I am not angry, or bitter etc. It was an amazing Finale, and I would have loved to be a part of it. I just wasn't asked." DeWyze was seen in the audience towards the end of the show.{{cite web|last=Blauvelt |first=Christian |url=https://ew.com/article/2011/05/27/lee-dewyze-nigel-lythgoe-american-idol-feud/ |title=Lee DeWyze and Nigel Lythgoe snipe online over 'Idol' finale |publisher=Entertainment Weekly|date=2011-05-27 |access-date=2020-02-26}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lee-dewyze-nigel-lythgoe-feud-over-idol-finale-on-twitter/ |title=Lee DeWyze, Nigel Lythgoe feud over "Idol" finale on Twitter |publisher=Cbsnews.com |date=2011-05-27 |access-date=2020-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530032522/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20066796-10391698.html |archive-date=May 30, 2011 }}{{cite web|last=Hines |first=Ree |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/idol-feud-brews-between-lee-dewyze-nigel-lythgoe-1C9380989 |title='Idol' feud brews between Lee DeWyze and Nigel Lythgoe |date=May 27, 2011 |publisher=Today |access-date=2012-04-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901221904/http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2011/05/27/6730171-idol-feud-brews-between-lee-dewyze-and-nigel-lythgoe |archive-date=2011-09-01 }}

The music video of Jennifer Lopez's song, "Dance Again", which aired on the program, was criticized as inappropriate for younger viewers. Dan Gainor of the right-wing Culture and Media Institute wrote, "Even the supposedly family-friendly TV shows like American Idol are never safe in the hands of Hollywood," and went as far as saying her "skanky new video shows how desperate she is to retain her fame despite her fading relevance. Such sexualized videos aren't appropriate for any children to watch, including Lopez's own twins."[https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jennifer-lopez-dance-again-video_n_1411953 Jennifer Lopez's 'Dance Again' Video Slammed By Right Wing Group (VIDEO)][http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/325606/20120409/jennifer-lopez-dance-again-video-casper-smart.htm Jennifer Lopez's 'Dance Again' Video Stirs Controversy: Her Five Trashiest Videos] Jenna Hally Rubenstein from MTV Buzzworthy also commented about the video's content not being appropriate for a family show, "we thought "Idol" was a family show? This video is less "sit on the couch and chill with dad" and more "call your boyfriend over immediately."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2300735/jennifer-lopez-pitbull-dance-again-video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226201431/http://www.mtv.com/news/2300735/jennifer-lopez-pitbull-dance-again-video/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |title=New Video: Jennifer Lopez Featuring Pitbull, 'Dance Again' |publisher=Buzzworthy.mtv.com |date=2012-03-30 |access-date=2020-02-26}} Ed Masley from AZ central.com said that the video was on the verge of being too "steamy" for the show.{{cite web|last=Masley |first=Ed |url=https://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2012/04/05/20120405j-lo-video-american-idol-family-friendly.html |title=Was J.Lo video too steamy for 'family-friendly' 'American Idol?' |work=The Arizona Republic |access-date=2013-03-05}}

A video was leaked to TMZ in October 2012 that showed Nicki Minaj erupting in a tirade against Mariah Carey during the audition in Charlotte, North Carolina for the twelfth season.{{cite news |url=https://www.tmz.com/2012/10/02/nicki-minaj-mariah-carey-fight-american-idol-audition/|title=Mariah snipes at Nicki, Nicki goes ballistic, caught on tape |work=TMZ |date=October 2, 2012 |access-date=January 8, 2013 }} The video showed Minaj yelling at Carey saying "I'm not going to put up with her fucking highness anymore." According to Barbara Walters of The View, Carey claimed that Minaj had said: "If I had a gun, I would shoot the bitch," a claim that Minaj then denied.{{cite news |url= http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/mariah-nicki-minaj-threaten-shoot-article-1.1175097 |title= Mariah Carey: Nicki Minaj threatened to shoot me on the set of 'American Idol' |author1=Gina Salamone |author2=Don Kaplan |work=New York Daily News|date=October 4, 2012 }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/nicki-minaj-rants-on-twitter-after-allegedly-threatening-mariah-carey-20121004 |title=Nicki Minaj Fires Back on Twitter After Mariah Carey Alleges Threats |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=January 8, 2013 }} Former judge Steven Tyler had said that he feels that the feud was a publicity stunt and nothing more.{{Citation needed|date=November 2012}}

During his interview with AfterBuzz TV following the Top 5 elimination show, Caleb Johnson made offensive remarks about his fans who tweet him song suggestions.{{cite news|url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/551092/20140505/apologize-american-idol-caleb-johnson-retard-finalist.htm |title=Caleb Johnson of 'American Idol' Sorry For 'Retard' Comment, Fans Voting Him Out? |author=Tanya Diente |date=May 5, 2014 |work=International Business Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506001317/http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/551092/20140505/apologize-american-idol-caleb-johnson-retard-finalist.htm |archive-date=May 6, 2014 }}{{cite news |title=Ortonville native's 'American Idol' interview goes viral |author =Monica Drake|date=May 5, 2014 |work=Daily Tribune }} "[Twitter] gives access to a bunch of retards to talk to me," Caleb said. "I don't really enjoy having to see somebody telling me what song I have to sing. I think at this point of the competition, I can pick and choose my own songs and represent me. I don't need 10,000 people saying, 'You should sing this, you should sing that. Listen to me!' Fortunately, guys, I'm going to listen to myself, whether you like it or not."Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/X0kaS90CBqA Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140508024900/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0kaS90CBqA&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0kaS90CBqA| title = Caleb Johnson {{!}} America Idol Top 5 Elimination Red Carpet Interview {{!}} AfterBuzzTV | website=YouTube| date = May 2, 2014 }}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |url=http://www.citizen-times.com/story/life/2014/05/04/idols-caleb-johnson-apologizes-offensive-remark/8704413/ |title='Idol's' Caleb Johnson apologizes for offensive remark |author =Bruce C. Steele |date=May 4, 2014 |work= Citizen Times}}

His comment has been described as "arrogant", with some fans turning against him.{{cite web |url=http://radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com/2014/05/05/american-idol-briefs-past-idol-winners-possessed-humbleness-not-arrogance-my-power-4/ |title=Past 'Idol' winners possessed humbleness and gratefulness, not arrogance |author =Rodney Ho |work=Access Atlanta |date=May 5, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/6290/20140504/american-idol-top-4-contestant-caleb-johnson-called-fans-retards.htm |title=American Idol' Top 4 Contestant Caleb Johnson Called His Fans 'Retards' and Apologizes For It [WATCH] |date=May 4, 2014 |work=Fashion Times |author=Mimi Heimbrod |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509123057/http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/6290/20140504/american-idol-top-4-contestant-caleb-johnson-called-fans-retards.htm |archive-date=May 9, 2014 }} After his fans expressed outrage on Twitter, Caleb issued an apology on his Facebook page.{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/reality-rocks/-american-idol--finalist-caleb-johnson-apologizes-for-slur-084719848.html |title='American Idol' Finalist Caleb Johnson Apologizes for Slur |author =Lyndsey Parker |date=May 4, 2014 |work=Yahoo Music }} "For the record that juvenile comment I made in the interview was not directed towards my fans but to the wackos that send hundreds of hate messages a day to me! You guys are amazing and I cannot thank you enough for your support. Sorry if it offended anybody it was the wrong choice of words. Also I greatly appreciate it when you guys give me song suggestions but it gets really overwhelming at the volume it comes in so please understand ! Rock on !:)" https://www.facebook.com/IdolCalebJohnson/posts/628237283934547?stream_ref=10 {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}

National media outlets reported on an exchange between judge Harry Connick Jr. and contestant Quentin Alexander noting the incident of Connick scolding a contestant was awkward.{{cite web|last1=Telling|first1=Gillian|title=American Idol Harry Connick Jr. battles with a contestant—and not the singing kind|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/15/american-idol-harry-connick-jr-faces-quentin-alexander|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=April 19, 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Bently|first1=Jean|title=After American Idol Fight, Is Harry Connick, Jr. or Quentin Alexander Right?|date=April 16, 2015|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/american-idol-fight-is-harry-connick-jr-or-quentin-alexander-right-2015164|publisher=Us Magazine|access-date=April 19, 2015}} On the live airing of the Top 6 show, there were three contestants who had not been saved when Alexander was chosen. After he performed, host Ryan Seacrest noted that he appeared to be upset. When asked Alexander responded "This sucks, we've got two of the best vocalists, my best friend [Joey Cook] sitting over there. This whole thing is whack, but I'm going to shut up right now." Seacrest then replied saying that this is a competition, and with the save anything could happen. When Alexander had left the stage, Connick Jr. said, "Quentin, if it's that whack, then you can always go home, because Idol is paying a lot of money to give you this experience and for you to say that to this hand that is feeding you right now, I think is highly disrespectful." Alexander was then prompted by the producers to return to the stage where he approached the judges and clarified he meant the two being potentially eliminated was whack, not the show, or the experience. Later, after performing his second song, he explained "I understand that these things are going to happen, and I just didn't want my friend to leave" and apologized.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/american-idol-contestant-quentin-alexander-speaks-out-after-awkward-argument-harry-1885068|title = 'American Idol' Contestant Quentin Alexander Speaks Out After Awkward Argument with Harry Connick Jr. [VIDEO]|website = International Business Times|date = April 16, 2015}} Judge Jennifer Lopez empathized with Alexander's emotions running high but said that as an artist he had to learn to work through that even when it happens to put on the performance. Joey Cook commented after being eliminated on Alexander's statements:

I pretty much just told him what he did was beautiful, in my opinion, and it was the perfect representation of him. Quentin is a very emotional person. He's very 'all cards on the table.' There is no sugar coating. He doesn't hide his emotions. He's honest. He's a raw human being, and I think what happened last night was the perfect example of that and how emotional of a person he is.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6538526/american-idol-joey-cook-quentin-alexander-wack-response|title = 'American Idol' Alum Joey Cook on Quentin's 'Wack' Drama: 'What He Did Was Beautiful'|magazine = Billboard|date = April 16, 2015}}

American Idol played up the exchange in a promotional spot aired on the same channel and confirmed they will replay the incident at the beginning of the Top 5 show as part of the recap of the previous week.{{cite web|last1=Bentley|first1=Jean|title=Will American Idol Revisit Harry Connick, Jr., Quentin Alexander Fight in Top 6 Week? Watch the Promo!|date=April 20, 2015|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/american-idol-ad-revisits-harry-connick-jr-quentin-alexander-fight-2015204|publisher=Us Weekly|access-date=April 21, 2015}} An AI source also stated that for fairness purposes the judges and contestants have a strict wall of silence between them and only interact onstage so Connick Jr. and Alexander have not had contact since last week. Alexander was eliminated the next show the following week with what Music Times questioned as possibly the first time American Idol "went into an episode with what seemed to be a very clear agenda."{{cite web|last1=Menyes|first1=Carolyn|title='American Idol' Season 14 Recap & Review: Top 5 Tour Established as Quentin Alexander is Sent Packing After Controversial Statement|date=April 22, 2015 |url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/36566/20150422/american-idol-season-14-recap-review-top-5-tour-quentin-alexander-controversy.htm|publisher=Music Times|access-date=April 23, 2015}}

{{reflist|2}}

• [http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/03/americanidol.htm Federal Trade Commission's American Idol case]
• [http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA417981.html?display=Top+of+the+Week American Idol Outrage: Your Vote Doesn't Count]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060209181620/http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2002/09/18/idol_contract/ Slaves of Celebrity]

{{American Idol}}

Controversies

Category:2000s controversies in the United States

Category:2010s controversies in the United States

Category:2000s in American television

Category:2010s in American television

Category:Television controversies in the United States

Category:Criticism of television series

Category:Controversies about specific works