Show 'Em What You've Got

Hi.

Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening.

Haven't seen you here before.

Welcome to the gutter.

Never a dull moment here.

So here's the problem:

Poor little Antonella Barba. The spunky twenty-year-old American Idol contestant might have earned herself a new moniker; salacious.

She's very photogenic. Which, would normally be a good thing for someone pursuing a career in entertainment.

Ms. Antonella loves being photographed. I've attached a G-rated photo for your viewing pleasure. There's tons more out there.

The problem is that quite often, she's photographed in various states of undress. She's allegedly appeared in at least one photograph performing a sex act on the photographer. I have my doubts about this one.

So, are there any reasons for removing Antonella from American Idol?

One must consider the values of the main players in this situation.

Antonella Barba - She has the right to continue on the show. At this point, only some of the photos have been authenticated. She hasn't broken any laws.

She holds no monopoly among her peer groups in doing stupid things in front of cameras. The only difference is that she's now in the International spotlight and her photographs are drawing interest.

American Idol - FOX has the right to continue the show with Antonella, but it also has the right to remove her. Creative control resides with its producers.

While American Idol has been mum on this situation, they have, in the past, cut the journey short for contestants like Frenchie Davis, who appeared topless on a couple of websites. The show is called American Idol. Are Antonella's actions those of an Idol to young people, the show's biggest audience? No doubt, show creators guard its institutional integrity very closely.

Of the Barba drama, Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe has issued only one terse statement. "It's sad, isn't it, that your best friends are the ones that come forward with information that will go to Smoking Gun or put your photographs on the web,'' said Lythgoe.

Lythgoe's tight-lipped approach may be marching orders from the top, FOX Television, whose overarching goal is to sell commercials and boost revenues for the network.

American Idol Advertisers - If this group exerts collective pressure, it's likely that even the 800 pound gorilla that is American Idol will aquiesce and somehow engineer Antonella's departure. After all, advertisers have two legitimate concerns, both closely linked to the morality of the show.

If mom and dad decide the show is morally left of center, pre-teen target audiences may vanish. Advertisers signed contracts with FOX expecting to reach this demographic.

Negative backlash of the pictures may begin to erode the integrity of advertiser's products. Boycott's aren't out of the question.

The Remaining Idol Contestants - There are a few possibilities here, all of which may support Antonella's departure. The contestants are already under crushing stress and this situation has done nothing but add weight to a heavy load. Is it fair that these contestants endure additional pressure?

Antonella has received buckets more attention and publicity since the release of the "pictures". This scandal may only serve to help her win the contest, or at minimum, outlast more deserving candidates.

Just a few thoughts on the matter.

If I were Nigel Lythgoe, I suppose I'd let her stay. She hasn't done anything wrong. The scandal has only heightened awareness of the show.

And, my God, this problem will most likely take care of itself.

Her lack of morals have been brought into question. It's not lack of morals that are going to get her thrown off.

It's lack of talent.