JOIN ME NOW FOR LIVE COMMENTARY DURING TONIGHT’S SHOW. 

American Idol has been called many things, but “Amateur Hour” isn’t one of them — not with this year’s contestants.

Guest Remote Island blogger Randy Salas here to note that the TV show bills itself as a forum for discovering America’s next big musical talent, sealing the deal by awarding the winner with a major-label recording contract. But at least three of the Top 10 singers, who take the stage tonight to perform songs from the year they were born, have already had — and lost — such a prize in their pre-Idol struggles to become music stars. So what’s the point of having them on Idol? And why do the show’s producers let such experienced singers compete?

In case you haven’t heard, here’s a look at the Top 10 from most experienced to least, based on my impressions from online research:

MAJOR LABEL REJECTS

Carly Smithson: The Irish singer’s presence on AI continues to baffle me. She released an album in 2001 on MCA Records called Ultimate High. According to Blender, her contract included a $100,000 advance, $5,000 a month in living expenses and an apartment in California. In all, it added up to $2.2 million. In other words, she essentially had what most people on Idol are desperately trying to win. The widely released album, whose promotion included a slick music video, was a flop, so one could argue that she’s still looking for her big break. On the other hand, Idol winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks arguably are still looking for theirs, too.

Michael Johns: The seasoned Aussie singer was signed by Madonna’s old label Maverick Records, part of the Warner empire, and formed a band called The Rising. Their album reportedly received airplay and was scheduled for a release in fall 2003, but was canceled.  

Kristy Lee Cook: The country singer was, based on several reports, signed simultaneously by BMI, Arista Records and Britney Spears’ production company. Called a “country prodigy,” she was later dropped. She released the independent CD Devoted in 2005.

TWEENERS

David Cook: He has played, toured and recorded with two regionally popular bands. One of them, Axium, had a song picked by AMC Theatres for playback before movie screenings. He released an independent CD, Analog Heart, in 2006.

David Archuleta: At 17, the young singer has made an early career of singing in talent competitions, including winning the kid division of the Utah Talent Competition. He won the junior division on the TV show Star Search and has made other TV appearances.

Jason Castro: The dreadlocked dude has been in several bands. He appeared on the MTV reality show Cheyenne, including being featured in a Cheyenne Kimball music video.

Brooke White: The former nanny released the independent CD Songs in the Attic in 2006, which included making a music video.

Syesha Mercado: The “working actress” — as she continually reminds us — once competed on the reality show The One: Making a Music Star. Most of her background seems to be in musical theater.

NEWBIES

Ramiele Malubay and Chikezie: She’s a nursing student. He’s an airport security guard. These are the only two singers in the Top 10 who don’t seem to have much experience. They just sing well.

Looking at this list, it’s interesting to note that it’s four of the middle-of-the-pack contestants — David Cook, Brooke White, David Archuleta and Jason Castro — who hold the most appeal for me. Archuleta still has the inside track.

How about you? Do you care if AI singers have already had major-label deals? Â

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 at 1:05 pm and is filed under American Idol. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.