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"American Idol" isn't just for amateurs anymore. According to USA Today, there are a number of contestants in this season's final 24 who've had recording contracts in the not-so-distant past.

KRISTY LEE COOK was once signed with BRITNEY SPEARS' production company, MICHAEL JOHNS' band signed with MADONNA's Maverick label, until they were dropped. And CARLY SMITHSON recorded with MCA. Her debut album made $2 million, but she was dropped for poor sales.

But "Idol" executive producer NIGEL LYTHGOE insists no rules are being broken, saying contestants are just not allowed to currently be under contract. "We're looking for 'great,'" he tells the paper. "And, yes, those people in all likelihood have had dealings with the industry before."