American Idol Drawing Criticism for New Scandal

American Idol needs to set some solid rules down, some are saying. Each season unfailingly brings fresh scandals and new issues previously unencountered by show executives. This time around, racy photos of contestant Antonella Barba, as well as even more risque photos that could be of Barba, have surfaced on the Internet. Compared to past scandals (drugs and domestic abuse charges, to name a few), a few naughty pics seem pretty tame, but there are cries about double standards rising from ex-Idol contestant Frenchie Davis, and even accusations of racism from other corners.Davis was booted off of Idol's Season 2 when racy photos of the singer popped up on adult web sites. Idol's logic for keeping Barba and dropping Davis is simple: Davis was paid, Barba was not. But many are questioning whether this is actually the case. While some see significance in Barba being white while Davis is black, the ex-Idol is denying any suspicion that race came into play. She is asking, however, for an explanation from the show, and dropping hints that she might accept a monetary apology for Idol's treatment of her.For the time being, show producers have been ignoring the Barba scandal. However, the suggestion that American Idol spokespeople address, in no uncertain terms, their policy on dirty little secrets and skeletons in closets would go a long way toward avoiding these problems in the future.