Huge Scandals That Rocked American Idol
Dec 18 2020
For nearly two decades, American Idol has proven to be a bona fide launching pad for stars, like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and more. But the fame that can come from appearing on the show is sometimes accompanied by controversy. These are the huge scandals that rocked American Idol.

The second season of American Idol delivered its very first scandal, and it was a juicy one. As the New York Post reported, The Smoking Gun website had uncovered topless photos of contestant Frenchie Davis — then 23 — on an adult website called Daddy's Little Girls. Even though Davis claimed she was 18 when the pics were taken, her adult industry past got her kicked off the show.

A few years later, Davis — who went on to land a role in Rent and become a legit Broadway star — called out Idol for its double standard when far more provocative photos surfaced of Season 6 contestant Antonella Barba, who was allowed to continue competing. Davis griped to the Post:

"I couldn't help but notice the difference between the manner in which she was dealt with and how I was dealt with. I think it's fantastic if Idol has evolved, and I think it's fantastic she won't have to go through what I went through four years ago. But if the rules have changed, I believe there should be something to make up for the fact that I was humiliated needlessly."

Watch the video for more Huge Scandals That Rocked American Idol!

#AmericanIdol #Scandal

Racy photos | 0:00

Alleged affair | 1:23

Disqualified for being a pro | 2:34

Backstage battles | 3:29

An oppressive contract | 4:40

'Incredibly racist' voting | 5:45

The Parent Trap trick | 6:49

Howard Stern steps in | 7:56

Preemptive critique | 9:03

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