‘American Idol’: Season 2 finalist says ‘Idol’ plays favorites

"Not all 'Idol' finalists are treated equally," alleges Season 2 finalist Carmen Rasmusen, in an article in the Deseret News.

Carmen, who came in sixth place on "Idol," goes on to say that "the small amount of coaching we did receive was not evenly distributed."

In the article, Carmen alleges that "Idol" voice instructor Debra Byrd neglected to give her the same attention she lavished on rival Clay Aiken.

"One day," recalls Carmen, "as I was waiting downstairs for my private singing lesson, Clay Aiken was in the music room. I could hear him going over and over his song, dissecting it.

Finally, after about 30 minutes, the door opened. It was my turn. I walked in and sang my song about three times before being dismissed. Hardly the personal one-on-one attention Aiken had just received."

— Stephanie Lysaght