So now we’ve got the skinny: American Idol says there’s nothing in the rules preventing a contestant from having a past record deal, just not an active one.

It’s a good thing, too, because so far I’ve counted 4 albums (Carly Smithson [album cover with alias pictured], Kristy Lee Cook, Kady Malloy, and Brooke White, 1 almost record deal (Michael Johns), and 1 failed boy band (Robbie Carrico was in “Boys and Girls United”, gag).

On top of that, David Archuleta won “Star Search,” Amy Davis tried out for “Nashville Star,” Jason Castro was on MTV’s “Cheyenne,” and Joanne Borgella was Miss F.A.T. 2005 on “Monique’s Fat Chance” (I kid thee not).

Undiscovered talent my ass!

I guess after 7 seasons we should have expected this and truthfully it really doesn’t matter as far as the show goes, but damn, with all this experience maybe the Top 24 could use a homeless-by-choice Tennessee/Australian like Josiah Leming. All I know is these seasoned amateurs better impress cause this is the second chance they don’t really deserve.