When you participate on a show like American Idol, it is inevitable to come across some bumps along your road to the singing competition, as well as your journey beyond your Idol stardom. Sometimes you become the subject matter of hot gossips and controversies, which, more often than not, connotes that you have obtained a sufficient amount fame and popularity enough to rouse the media to give your name even more hype. One the other hand, not all hype is positive news. In fact, the lingering and much talked about news are those of downbeat and scandalous tittle-tattles.

Let's have a recap of the most attention-grabbing scandals that has surrounded American Idol over the past six years.

Starting with Antonella Barba, former American Idol season 6 contestant, the girl who became a hot and popular downloadable item on the Internet. Barba has acquired mainstream attention and has endured massive criticisms over the emergence of topless photographs.

Next on the list is American Idol season 2 former contestant Frenchie Davis, who, like Barba, also has escalated to fame with the surfacing of her topless photos on the Internet. The difference is that Davis got disqualified on American Idol while Barba was not, which actually roused many activists and a few TV personalities to pass judgment on the popular show.

Another American Idol contestant who made the news is Jim Verraros, former season one finalist. During his inclusion on the show, he became very open about his gay persona but rumor has it that the Fox network wasn't open to his sexuality.

Of course, there is also that sex scandal which pinned the only female Idol judge to controversy. Corey Clark, former season 2 contestant, has claimed that he and Paula Abdul had a sexual affair. Although Abdul has denied this matter, the issue just won't fade.

Rounding up the list are Chris Sligh, former American Idol 6 contestant, who became famous for his "Hi Dave" shout out, and Mario Vazquez, former season 4 contestant, who mysteriously withdrew from the competition.