Stacy Francis: Should ex-pros be allowed to compete on The X Factor?

An early favorite to win the Fox singing competition turns out to have an extensive professional past — and critics say she ought to be disqualified

Stacy Francis
(Image credit: Ray Mickshaw / FOX.)

American Idol and The X Factor have something new in common: Both shows have faced accusations that contestants have concealed professional music backgrounds, thus gaining an unfair advantage. Perez Hilton has unearthed evidence that The X Factor's Stacy Francis — an early favorite for her tear-soaked audition of "Natural Woman" — had a Broadway career; has performed with Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston; has starred in a made-for-TV movie produced by Oprah; and had a record deal with Warner Brothers. Hilton is branding 42-year-old Francis, who portrayed herself as a confidence-challenged failure, "a fraud," noting that The X Factor is supposed to celebrate undiscovered musicians, not singers who have spent years mingling with top talent. In a statement on her website, Francis says, "I have always been honest." Should she be disqualified?

If she's not famous, it shouldn't matter: Does it really matter if Francis has a professional resume? asks Kelly West at Cinema Blend. It's not likely that many X Factor viewers remember any of her past appearances. Many aspiring singers spend decades struggling for a big break in the music industry — that's why The X Factor's inclusion of contestants over 30 is so wonderful. Disqualifying such journeymen musicians for having blips of meager success would shut out too much talent. "If they haven't hit it big and we don't know who they are," then "let 'em play!"

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