
LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – From Jermaine Jones to David Hernandez photos, American Idol scandals continue to prompt fan fascination to this day. Jermaine Jones is eliminated from tonight’s American Idol telecast, but shirtless male dancer David Hernandez was able to remain on the series during his own scandal. While FOX continues to battle newer singing reality shows like The Voice, there is nothing that still replaces the fan preoccupation with Idol scandals.
Last year, American Idol wasn’t rocked by a scandal, but producers tried to suggest one. In advance of their February 2, 2011 broadcast, Idol producers told news that Steve Tyler would be making a major announcement. Instead, he was just issuing an apology for his Jack Muck reference.
After a suspense-filled buildup, fueled by tweets and on air radio updates from Ryan Seacrest, American Idol viewers finally found out what prompted American Idol producers, and assuming FOX executives, to issue an apology. In the end, the faux scandal became a ratings draw. “American Idol would like to apologize for last week’s outrageous behavior by Steven Tyler. Mr. Tyler has been warned and assures us it will never happen again.”
Tonight American Idol will have a surprise for viewers, the elimination of one top 12 contestant. Idol didn’t mention him by name in issuing a news statement roughly an hour ago, but Jones has already been sent home. “Tough day for the Idol finalists, as one of the contestants was just disqualified. The finalists were rocked by the news, but are focusing on their performances for tonight. The show must go on, and America will still vote for their favorites.”
In 2008, David Hernandez shirtless dancer photos leaked online during his American Idol season. Executives confirmed that leaked photos of David Hernandez were taken from a male bar in Phoenix. The revelation came from David’s former boss who granted news interviews at the time. But David wasn’t certainly Idol’s first, nor last, scandal. Antonella Barba battled leaked photos of her own.
Joanna Pacitti, in turn, was one of the most memorable contestants eliminated because of previous music work. She reportedly had a prior album on Geffen Records, was Annie on Broadway at age 11, appeared on the Legally Blond album in 2007, and sung one of the songs from the Bratz movie. So how will Idol address tonight’s latest scandal? Expect producers to confront the subject at the top of the hour. For more on David Hernandez’s photos, click HERE.