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Chris Golightly: Booted 'American Idol' finalist says he 'can catch up in one day'
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Chris Golightly, the "American Idol" contestant who was booted from this year's Top 24 at the last minute for failing to disclose an older recording contract, held a press conference on Tuesday (Feb. 23) morning in Hollywood.Golightly opened the press conference with a statement about wanting to be reinstated to "Idol":
Thank you very much for your support and interest. It's really sad that I got disqualified ... "American Idol" was an awesome experience. I'm here for a misunderstanding ... There's a lot of controversy going on saying I signed a contract in May. Yes, that's true I did sign it in May 2009 and I was released in June 2009 ... Being on "American Idol" means so much to me ... I love to sing ... and for it to get taken away, it just hurts me so bad. I would really love the opportunity to get reinstated back onto "American Idol" because this is a shot that I rightfully earned. America, if you can email or write or call FOX or Fremantle Media or 19 Entertainment ... and try to get me back on. I appreciate all the emails I get from the fans ... I'm not trying to have a sob story ... I'm trying to have fun.
He then shared with us the document proving that he had been released from his agreement. It was signed June 7, 2009 by Lawrence D. Franklin and Christopher Earl Golightly.
It reads in part:
"I, Lawrence D. Franklin, CEO of Dream Projects Entertainment do hereby officially release Christopher Earl Golightly from the recording agreement entered on Day of May 30, 2009 between Christopher Earl Golightly and Dream Projects Entertainment. This is an official release for any and all obligation or commitment to Lawrence D. Franklin or Dream Projects Entertainment or any of its members, employees, projects, associates, partners, or artists on its roster."
Golightly was replaced by Tim Urban in the Top 24 last week.
"Honestly, I have been singing all my life. I have written so many lyrics, so many songs ... I am ready to go. I'll catch up. Everything they've done, I can catch up in one day." Golightly told Zap2it when asked if we would be ready to perform with the first group of boys on Wednesday (Feb. 24) night.
Chris took the time to perform part of "Man in the Mirror" at the press conference, which was one of the Idols' choices during Hollywood Week.
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He seems kind of cocky to me...although that other guy, can't think of his name that said "I know I got this" is too. Dewyze or something
Any relation to Holly?
Sorry ... I just couldn't help myself.
WHY NOT REINSTATE HIM - THEY HAD A TOP 13 BEFORE SO I AM SURE THEY CAN DO IT AGAIN...WHATEVER THE OUTCOME CHRIS YOU CAN TRY AGAIN NEXT YEAR.
He signed a 2 year contract and then EIGHT DAYS LATER got out of it? And then 7 months later still couldn't find the document? Seriously? Dude, go away. Just go away.
Geesh, Andrea, pay attention to what is going on.
"It really does look like it was a misunderstanding and that Chris has no reason to be disqualified." Really?
The reason he was disqualified was NOT that he had a prior contract. The reason was that he did NOT disclose it (i.e. tell Idol about it on his initial application). In other words, he lied.
This looks like a lawsuit ready to happen to American Idol by Lawrence D. Franklin, CEO of Dream Projects Entertainment.
In my oppinion,how can you NOT know where the contract release papers are ???
He wouldn't have won anyway.
Hi, I don't get this season at all mostly because they let one guy stay on even after his dad brag ever where about it but they couldn't let this guy stay on at all and if they did let him sing on Wed. how does that make it fair for the girls because they didn't bring them one person for them to make it even and fair so to me sorry Chris try next year. Plus anybody remember last year they let go a girl who audition last year too and made it too and they disqualified her mostly of the conflict with 19 entertainment too and she didn't make a big fuss about it at all she understand so I don't get why Chris is upset. Plus Chris should say something about it so it is more his fault on this than American Idol because other people audition in the past and people did tell them about there past record deals and there police records too. Chris should of speak up. I'm sorry Chris I'm not in your corner at all because life is not fair so deal with it and try again next year.
Just more proof IDOL is fixed. Randy and Simon have already picked the winner.
Haven't cared for Idol since they added the extra woman last year. And when they got rid of Paula, it was the last straw. Three judges is enough. Ellen is fine, but Paula is sorely missed!
Wow, this is the first year i really don't care about Idol. I think i am finally over it.
Let this show die when Simon leaves.