Summary
R.J. Helton recently revealed that competing onAmerican Idolas an LGBTQ+ contestant felt like selling their soul to the devil. Appearing inAmerican Idolseason 1,R.J. came in fifthalongside contestants Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Niki McKibbin, and Tamyra Gray.Originally, R.J. didn’t make the Top 10. However, they returned as a Wild Card onAmerican Idol. Although they didn’t win their season, R.J. succeeded with their debut albumReal Life, which reached number 14 on the Billboard Christian Music Chart in 2004. Their success did not come easily as they transitioned fromAmerican Idolto real life.
American Idolseason 1 alum R.J. Helton alleged that they had to change their behavior and appearance while competing on the reality show.
In a recentRolling Stonearticle,the dark side ofAmerican Idolwas explored through the eyes of those who lived it. In the article, R.J. spoke about their experience, revealing that they completely changed their appearance and voice to fit the character the producers built.“When you’re told that you aren’t enough — or that this version of you doesn’t work — you spend a big part of your life taking parts away from you so that you can achieve those dreams,“they stated. R.J. added that the experience felt like they were selling their “soul to the devil.”
Nigel Lythgoe Denies Stopping Contestants From Coming Out
Nigel Wanted The Talent To Speak For Itself
Former Executive ProducerNigel Lythgoe stepped forward to deny he ever stopped contestants from coming out. R.J. has been very vocal about the suppression they reportedly experienced during their time onAmerican Idol, and Nigel was allegedly part of this suppression. After R.J. was caught giving a friendly kiss to a male staff member and their secret boyfriend, R.J. revealed that Nigel pulled them aside and allegedly stated, “We think you’re great, but let’s continue on the sweet side, with the Christian boy thing,” essentially pushing R.J. back in a box that they were trying so desperately to escape.
However, Nigel firmly denied ever stopping any contestant from expressing their sexual orientation. He revealed that although he worked with contestants who were struggling with their sexuality,he would only ever provide feedbackthat they should allow their talent to speak for itself. “If anyone was hurt by my advice on those issues, I can only apologize, but I only ever wanted to help and support the wonderful young people who competed on the first seasons of Idol,“he stated.
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The ugly and suppressing nature surroundingAmerican Idolin its earlier years is nothing new. The show was made a hit becauseSimon Cowell went too farin his demeaning comments throughout the competition. Fans enjoyed seeing what mean thing he would say next, and this created an environment of torture for contestants who were deemed different, whether in their looks, sexuality, or weight. Contestants likeSanjaya Malakar were constantly joked aboutby Simon and fans for his so-called girlish looks and style.This environment was the catalyst for many contestants choosing to hidewho they truly were.
As more and more contestants continue to speak out about their time on the hit singing competition show, they are opening the doors for change within theAmerican Idolsphere. Althoughrecent seasons have encouraged individuality and inclusion, hopefully, things will continue on this track. Even so, contestants, old and new, should stand in their truth and not allow anyone to change who they are.
American Idol
Cast
American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international “Idol” brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they’d go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America’s next musical idol.
