Chris Golightly Replaced by Tim Urban on 'American Idol'

By Sam Brand Posted Feb 18th 2010 04:25PM

Eliminations don't officially kick off until next week, but on Wednesday, 'American Idol' cut its first unlucky contestant. Curly-haired 19-year-old Chris Golightly was waved into the round of 24 last night, and then abruptly disqualified just hours later. "It has been determined that Chris Golightly is ineligible to continue in the competition," a Fox press release announced, citing a recording contract mix-up. "Tim Urban has replaced Golightly as part of the Top 24."

The move was made after Lawrence Franklin of Dream Projects Entertainment told 'American Idol' producers in January that Golightly was under a boy band recording contract when he auditioned last year. Golightly refuted the claim, and Franklin amicably agreed to release the singer from the contract so he could compete. But the back-and-forth between Golightly, Franklin and 19 Entertainment dragged on and the necessary paperwork wasn't completed in time to keep the young singer on the show.

"This is not fair," Golightly told USA Today's Idol Chatter by phone Thursday morning. "I don't know what to do."

There's nothing the curly-haired former foster kid can do, according to 'American Idol' organizers. The ship to the Top 24 has set sail without him.

Golightly appeared briefly in Wednesday nights' show alongside Ryan Seacrest and the 23 contestants who will be moving on. But he was replaced by fellow Texan Tim Urban when the contestants were shown on their own at the end of the show.

"I've left them voicemails, but they've screened my calls," Golightly says of his efforts to get in touch with 19 Entertainment. "I just want the spot I earned."

He will have to hope 'American Idol' stands by him next year.

Tags: american idol, chris golightly, simon cowell, tim urban

Comments

(13)

Thursday 18 February

By annecg1pls

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It't not Chris' fault the paperwork took so long - he acted correctly and deserves his spot in the group of 24. American Idol just isn't the same and I refuse to watch any longer. They should've given this guy his well-deserved shot.

By Sharman

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Politics Hate it. YES he should have his chance.....they could of figured out the paperwork in short order I am sure.

By ynkyboy

like the guys life hasn't been f*cked up enough, now this BS. Give him a break AI !!!!

By George Lopez the biggest racist ON T.V.

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George Lopez the biggest racist ON T.V. BOYCOTT TBS TILL THEY CANCEL THE SHOW.......

By Lynn

I have to agree with you about george lopez i watched the first week of the show then stopped when i realized what he was up to

Friday 19 February

By Jeannie

I wont watch him because he tries to shove his political views on his fans. Actors should stick to acting and quit trying to push their beliefs on others.

By dd

Oklahomo, ur gay.

By candy

Oklahomie, how can a TV show be homosexual? Please don't use the word "gay" to refer to something you feel stupid. There are thousands of "gay" people who are neither stupid or bigoted like you. One of those is my son. You must be young, naive, and bigoted to use the term so casually.

By tammy

Sad!!! Give this guy a break!! He made it! He went through so much to get there GIVE HIM A CHANCE!!!!!!!

By darlinkaylee

Isn't the point to showcase AMATEUR artists? If the guy had a contract (even if it was later canceled) too bad. Sad for him, but it isn't like he should be surprised, since he should have been well aware of the rules in the first place.

By okosu

Candy, grow a pair. The show is dumb and gay and using a term to refer to the show as such shouldn't put your panties in a wad.

By sid

he sucks!!!!!!!!!

By tim

i think the american idol is the biggest sorry show out there they are waisting all the tax payers money on bs that they could use that money and help people that dont have anything. they done a poll that the people that cant afford anything donate more money than the rich people that spends all there money on partys and drugs and then when they get arrested they get a slap on the wrist and if someone wasnt famous and had the same charge they would get 10 years so everyone should boycott the american idol and get them off the air dont support that gay show.

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