You can run, but you can't hide from your criminal past, especially in the "Age of Celebrity Gossip" blogging. And you would think American Idol contestants would know that by now. TMZ has uncovered the first dirt of the season, revealing Thomas Daniel's mugshot and arrest information. Daniels, 21, was arrested in 2004 for DUI, and again in 2005 for hit-and-run. His DUI record, however, was expunged after he completed a one-year alcohol diversion program and paid a fine.
Daniels stood out on Wednesday's Idol for being one of the few talented singers the producers included in a two-hour telecast that mostly featured a bizarre parade of misfits. When he walked into the room, Daniels told the Idol judges he was back for his third Idol audition, hoping that the third time would be the charm."
For young hopefuls, the American Idol spotlight can be both a blessing and a curse. Who doesn't want to be "discovered" on national TV? Of course, being "almost famous" also puts these kids under intense and sometimes unfair public scrutiny.
What do you think? Does one have to possess a squeaky clean past in order to be an American Idol? Or can the public and Idol producers overlook mistakes made, as Daniels says, when he was "young and dumb?" And does this revelation hurt Daniels or merely give him free publicity?
[Via TMZ]
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Mike Henry and Daryl Hall on a Cleveland Show Thanksgiving
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-19-2007 @ 6:58PM
Curt said...
Why should it matter? Sure he made a couple mistakes, but when one of the judges of the show goes on a TV interview obviously drunk and/or on something, not to mention everyone else's problems in Hollyweird, they're in no place no judge him, or anyone else for anything ther than their "talent."
/I put talent in "" because I dont watch the show and couldn't tell you if he was good at all. From what I've seen, most on the show are iffy.
Reply
1-19-2007 @ 9:55PM
Carol said...
Seems like he'd fit in just right... with all the other celebrities who're being arrested for drunk driving, going into rehab time and again, partying 'til dawn with or without "unmentionables"; changing partners, etc. etc. Who among us has not done something in their past they are not proud of. Maybe he wants to "make us proud" like Taylor did. Now if someone turns up to be an actual "criminal" -- that would be different.
Reply
1-19-2007 @ 10:23PM
George B Vieto said...
Looks like American idiot will be the Oakland Raiders of the music industry. Just sing baby.
Reply
1-20-2007 @ 10:15PM
InL.A. said...
Right, get FAMOUS first, then you can drink and drive all you like without consequence...Then make a few slurs about the officer's anatomy("Sugar ___"), get a few bad looking paparazzi mug shots, loosely ask for forgiveness(Blame it on your "insert alleged personal problem here"), go to a week of rehab and you have got yourself a career!
Reply
1-21-2007 @ 1:00AM
Jessica Lawson said...
What does it matter if he has been arrested once or twice? Everyone makes mistakes. What's in the past is behind us, so why does the press need to dig up the past?
Reply
1-21-2007 @ 3:29AM
staci said...
Everyone makes mistakes and apparently he's learned from them. He deserves a chance in my opinion!
Reply
1-21-2007 @ 7:27PM
Annie said...
I agree, we all have made bad choices in our lives. And I also agree that Donnie made a bad choice by driving while intoxicated. However, I honestly think it shouldn't be held against him. He was young ...immature...and foolish. People do change...and believe it or not, some do learn from their mistakes. He may have been taken off of American Idol...but, someone out there likes how he sounds and have decided to give him the opportunity to make music.
I wish you all the best Donnie...when you get famous...please don't forget from where you came...and how you got to be where you are. Be smart, be safe, and please...hire someone to drive if you want to party!
Reply
1-22-2007 @ 11:27AM
Emily said...
I think this guy missed his calling. He should audition for the cast of Lost.
Reply
2-14-2007 @ 5:52AM
donny mote said...
I have a problem with three things. First, I understand he was charged with hit and run, in
addition to a second violation of DUI. Hit and
run can be very serious, a felony I beleive. He
also probably lied on the application. That is
serious too, and I don't blame American Idol, for
tossing him. It's sad though, because I know people
can change. We have all sinned, and come short, so
I'm not throwing any stones. I wish him the best!
Reply
2-15-2007 @ 9:04AM
bleu said...
It makes a difference whether you have a clean record or not. Why would you want someone who has a police record ( especially hit and run) on any show. Are these young people not role models for our next generation? You want your kid to be like the DUI/hit'n run clown?
Reply
2-15-2007 @ 2:36PM
charles said...
Thinking 2+2=5 is a mistake. DUI is not a mistake. DUI is a crime. Before you forgive this man for his past, you need to talk to a mother that lost her child to a drunk driver.
Reply