Is 'American Idol' Racist?

Nine ex-contestants from “American Idol” are suing the show’s producers. Why? They claim racism was a factor in their disqualification.

However, four former finalists (of varying skin tone) are stepping in to defend the popular show.

Season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle says, "It is shocking to see such allegations. In my experience on the show, the 'Idol' team strives to champion everyone, regardless of race. However, each contestant is explicitly told that the withholding of information that may compromise the show or artist, can and will result in immediate disqualification."

From season 4, Vonzell Solomon agrees that there was no racism involved.

"I didn’t experience any of that... all of our contracts were clear about how the background checks worked and that we could be disqualified if we lied about our past."

Taylor Hicks, the winner of season 5, also defended the show.

"American Idol is for everyone.  All walks of life go through the show.  Not once did I see the show discriminate towards anyone.  It’s all about the votes."

Casey Abrams from season 10 also put in a good word for “Idol.”

"I don't know why they are biting the hand that fed them. Those guys beat thousands of people who wanted to be on TV. Idol is picky, but I'm not sure about racist."

“American Idol” has had three black winners during its run… Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino and Jordin Sparks. But it's not like there's ever been a judge who wasn't wh--oh, wait.

While “Idol” has yet to respond to the allegations, the trouble apparently stems from contestants who lied about or covered up criminal charges on their record—something that can, by contract, disqualify them from competing, and was the reason they were eliminated from competition.

What do you think of these allegations?