The ugly side of ‘American Idol’

But for some of the show’s contestants, judges and staff, the “American Idol” experience is something else entirely, and it’s not always pleasant. At times, they claim, the reality competition can be unfair and manipulative, grueling and deceitful. Now, they’re ditching “American Idol” and coming clean. Paula Abdul bid adieu to “Idol” this week after […]

But for some of the show’s contestants, judges and staff, the “American Idol” experience is something else entirely, and it’s not always pleasant. At times, they claim, the reality competition can be unfair and manipulative, grueling and deceitful. Now, they’re ditching “American Idol” and coming clean.

Paula Abdul bid adieu to “Idol” this week after her manager called the show “rude and disrespectful” for not offering her a formal proposal for a season nine contract. Abdul had served as a judge on the Fox reality competition since it began in 2002. The New York Times reported that “Idol” offered her a 30 percent raise and a total multi-year deal worth more than $10 million to stay. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Abdul wanted $20 million.

“I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon,” Abdul announced on her Twitter feed Tuesday. She declined to elaborate on why she left the show, as did Fox and the show’s producers, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment.

Ju’Not Joyner, a top 20 finalist from “Idol’s” past season, hasn’t been as tight-lipped. During a Web chat with “Idol” fans last week, Joyner called the competition rigged and claimed the show’s producers try to manipulate contestants. But it’s not just the favoritism that got to Joyner. He resents “Idol” for making the top 36 contestants rush to sign legal documents, including non-disclosure and compensation forms, and penalizing those who asked questions — himself included.

Season five contestant Ayla Brown told ABCNews.com that behind-the-scenes judgment can sometimes influence a singer’s fate more than on-air evaluations or audience votes. “The way they portrayed me on the show was that I’m the daughter of a state senator and a news reporter and I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I came off as this stuck up northeastern b***h,” Brown said.

“Maybe there is a possibility that it is rigged. Maybe,” mused Brown. “But I’m in a place in my life right now where I don’t care. I get hired to sing, I’ve recorded three albums … I’m living a life that I can’t complain about.”