American Idol Season 7's top 9

Description: The media has noted that several of the semi-finalists have previously had record deals, including Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, and Carly Smithson. Idol rules state that contestants may have had a record deal in the past, but are still eligible as long as they are no longer under contract when Idol begins. None of the finalists are currently... ( +expand to view full text )

Description: The media has noted that several of the semi-finalists have previously had record deals, including Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, and Carly Smithson. Idol rules state that contestants may have had a record deal in the past, but are still eligible as long as they are no longer under contract when Idol begins. None of the finalists are currently under contract.