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The question which ought to be posed in fact is : "how real is reality tv ? ". Whether Carly Smithson is a "pro" or not is utterly irrelevant because the entire concept of Amercian Idol and all shows that follow that genre is that they are tightly controlled. The contestants are screened and vetted even the stuio audience is checked out so that there are no nasty surprises for the show's producers .

In an ideal world wihout studio executives and nervous floor managers perhaps Carly Smithson would be prevented from appearing on the show but the stark reality of reality tv is that it is not "real", in the pure uncomplicated sense at all. Most of the shows participants are seasoned performers or at least have been trying to get into the business for a long time .
One of the most remarkable "finds" was Leona Lewis a sultry Brit R and B singer who had already done a stint at music school and has a formidable voice . The point is that the producers of shows like American Idol and it's derivatives across the globe know that these contestants will apply and actively encourage them to apply. Audition postings are routinely sent to stage and music schools who are advised about when the open castings will take place and the adverts for contestants are high profile and mass generating . Of course you are going to get succesful stage and music "wannabes" who will get through the rigorous testing because they are talented and able to make a competent attempt at singing a song. But if the shows premise were strictly followed none of these applicants would be allowed to enter which would end up being unfair to the other try hards.

The reason why Carly Smithson should not be allowed to appear on the show is not because she is talented and she is going to get a deal but because she is defined as a professional artist and as such is taking away the lost opportunity of other hopefuls who are not as talented but are not pro's.

The entire editorial and production team in shows like this are all involved in the decision making process behind the scenes and the edited highlights of what the viewer sees do not even come close to identifying the real factors in the choice making . questions like : can this person do what they are told on a creative level? Wil they be able to handle the pressures of instant fame ? Often it is exactly a "pro" who can do all of these things and crucially have that "talent" taht they are always keen to spot . It is highly unethical to sell a show based on the

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