Idol Source: Contestant Was Dropped Because of Past Record Deal
American Idol, Chris Golightly
Chris Golightly was dropped from the American Idol top 24 because he didn't tell producers about a past record contract, according to a source close to the show.
In a statement, Fox said: "It has been determined that Chris Golightly is ineligible to continue in the competition. American Idol contestant Tim Urban has replaced Golightly as part of the top 24." The network offered no reason for Golightly's ineligibility.
Golightly appeared briefly in a segment at the end of Wednesday's episode of Idol that featured the newly chosen top 24, but in a later segment that showed the finalists individually, Urban appeared briefly, replacing Golightly in the mix.
The source indicated that contestants must disclose any record deals — current or past — to the producers, and that Golightly hadn't. Further, the source said, once contestants have been disqualified from the top 24, they're ineligible to audition for the show again.
The mop-topped Golightly, 26, a shoe salesman from Orange, Calif., impressed the judges with his story of growing up in foster care and a strong rendition of Ben E. King's "Stand by Me."
Golightly is currently bound by a confidentiality agreement that prevents him from speaking to the press.
The top 12 female finalists will perform together for the first time on Tuesday, followed by the male finalists on Wednesday (Fox, both nights 8/7c).