Kristy Lee Cook: The American Idol Controversy

Here’s why: the singer considered to be most impressive last night, Kristy Lee Cook, was under contract with record company Arista Nashville in 2001, and even inked a deal as the debut artist in Britney Spears‘ (now defunct) production company.

This raises an interesting question, in regard to American Idol: Is the show reserved solely for amateurs, those whose singing background extends no further than the local karaoke bar?

Or is it acceptable for Cook and others with a professional history to try out?

At the age of 17, Kristy Lee Cook signed a recording contract. Should this disqualify her from American Idol?

In a bit of an American Idol spoiler, this debate may heat up when Carly Hennessy moves on to Hollywood.

The Irish singer - who producer Nigel Lythgow has gone on record as picking to win this season - was given a $2.2 million marketing and production budget from MCA Records in 2005. But her album went on to sell a total of 378 copies.

Last year, Melinda Doolittle was an example of someone with a professional resume, as a backup singer, who made it all the way to the final three. She eventually lost, of course, to a pair unknowns: Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks.

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