Idol Runs into Its First Round of Contestant Controversy

Continuing its trend of giving viewers just as much controversy as talented singing, American Idol encountered its first anticipated contestant scandal when Tommy Daniels, of last week's airing of the Seattle auditions, was found to have several arrests.

Daniels, one of the few who impressed the judges out of thousands of other disappointments in the Emerald City, was arrested for drunken driving in 2004 but made up for the offense with a $680 fine and a yearlong alcoholics program, according to TMZ.com.

The aspiring Idol found himself in trouble with the law once again in 2005 for a hit-and-run incident, and was rearrested after failing to make his court appearance. It is not known whether the offense was cleared, although Daniels says he was truthful about his history to show producers.

Daniels is the latest in an ever-growing line of Idol contestants with hidden past transgressions, including last season's twin brothers, Derrell and Terrell Brittenum, who were previously arrested for identity theft, and season four finalists, Bo Bice and Scott Savol.