he could have always negotiated a deal where Snelson would come back to the show and play out her contracted performances after having gotten national TV exposure, which would seem to me the better business deal all around. Not necessarily true in reality. If Valentine were picked up for a full season, she wouldn't be available until late next spring. If the show is picked up for another season, she'd have MAYBE 2 months off to do ACL. Depending on the success of the show, it could take years before Nikki had the free time to play out a year contract. So yeah, if the producer wants to keep the Equity tour going for five years just to be able to finally use her national TV exposure to his financial advantage, then it's a possibility.
talk to any actor. They are always auditioning for new roles regardless of whether or not they're currently working on a show. Even when there is no "out" in their contract they find a way to make it work. Her casting in ACL was announced in January. If there was no pilot filmed, the final casting for this show happened within the past 6 months. After she was already contracted to ACL. There's a difference between being in a role then auditioning for another show, and just being cast in a year-long contract then auditioning for another show that starts 2 months into it.
I agree with LePetiteFromage, I think her Facebook status was really unprofessional considering how many fans she has friended.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never
knowing how