Clearly the former AI contestants should be able to try out like anyone else, and be judged on their merits like anyone else. They shouldn't be stigmatized because they appeared on the show. American Idol is contrived and cheesy, but truly talented people sometimes emerge into public awareness as a result of the process.
It wouldn't be stunt casting of course, most of the contestants are not celebrities simply because they appeared on the show. People like Fantasia or Clay, for instance, who have a large fan following, and have achieved some success in the marketplace, can bring new audiences (i.e., money) to a show, but that would only apply to a very few AI alumni who have achieved some degree of stardom after they leave the show.
Frenchie Davis, for one, I wouldn't call stunt casting because she was not a star, she had only been known to the public for 15 minutes, I assume she got the part in Rent because of her talents. Of course being on AI probably gave her a slight edge, some visibility but I don't think she could automatically attract a boatload of fans to buy tickets, though maybe to some degree she could.
I think my point is probably that I hope people won't hold it against some talented young people because they appeared on a cheesy and manipulative show like AI. People will do anything to get a foot on the ladder, and a few of them are probably suited for Broadway, those who can do more than just sing. Though I certainly understand the skepticism.
Updated On: 2/22/08 at 11:12 AM
