Nigel Lythgoe on Carly Smithson Controversy: "Elvis Presley can join American Idol if he was out of contract"

Reality TV World has more quotes from Nigel Lythgoe regarding the controversy surrounding Carly Smithson online and in the mainstream press:

Although it has yet to be mentioned in any of the show's broadcasts and also wasn't noted in the biographical information Fox released after the season's semifinalists were formally revealed on Wednesday, American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe insists the show isn't trying to hide the existence of seventh-season Top 24 semifinalist Carly Smithson's previous big-budget recording contract.

"Carly Smithson has been around," acknowledged Lythgoe. "She's had a recording contract in the past, she came to us a couple of years ago [and auditioned for Idol's fifth season]. We thought she was terrific... [and put her through to Hollywood Week] and then we lost her because of getting her visa. She's overturned that now and here she is. I think she stands a very good chance this year. She's already quite known by the public, which always helps a little bit. She's got a talent."

"Carly Smithson is not breaking any rules of the competition, so I don’t see the logic,” said Lythgoe, sounding annoyed. “The rules of the competition state you do not have a contract now. Goodness me, if Elvis Presley came back and was out of contract and was able to participate through age, then he would be in the competition. Nobody said this is an amateur competition. This is something that people are making up for themselves. It doesn't matter if you've had a professional contract. Kelly Clarkson had a professional contract. Bo Bice had a deal. [Taylor Hicks] has got records that are out there. This is nothing new."

Wow. This means it's open-season for all the has-been artists who are now out of contract to join American Idol. Or, even better: in theory, just for fun, Amy Winehouse can get out of her contract, become a permanent resident, and join American Idol. Nigel Lythgoe sounds like he is encouraging something like that to happen.

I can't help but think of the possibilities now. Maybe one of the B2K boys can join? Or those guys from O-Town? Is this really what American Idol will become in the next couple of years?

Good news! Carly Smithson's debut album is available now!
Carly Smithson -- Ultimate HighImage: (on Amazon)
Carly Smithson -- Ultimate High (on iTunes)
I'm Gonna Blow Your Mind (on iTunes)