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Alan Ritchson recently called out American Idol producers for allegedly fabricating a storyline about him not taking the competition seriously back when he was a contestant nearly 20 years ago. In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Ritchson said he felt deceived watching back episodes showing footage of him frolicking in a pool with another contestant.
Alan Ritchson Claims American Idol Producers Tricked Him Into Doing Pool Scenes
Ritchson first appeared on American Idol during Season 2 in 2004, auditioning in Atlanta, but was eliminated. He returned for another shot in Season 3 the following year, charming the judges with his singing and flirtatious antics toward Paula Abdul. Ritchson made it to the Hollywood Round that time but ultimately did not crack the top 32.
According to Ritchson, shortly after arriving for Hollywood Week, producers urgently instructed him to change into swim trunks and meet them poolside with a female model also competing. He obliged, believing it was an opportunity for screen time.
Instead, producers aired manufactured drama showing Ritchson splashing around while other contestants wondered where he was instead of rehearsing. Ritchson told Kimmel that this fake narrative from the show blindsided him.
Despite feeling tricked, Ritchson did sign an extensive non-disclosure agreement about production details. After nearly 20 years since last appearing on Idol, he finally revealed publicly how the show failed to present his authentic behind-the-scenes experiences.
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Alan Ritchson is Still Thankful for American Idol
Though frustrated by American Idol‘s portrayal of him back in the day, Ritchson has no hard feelings. He acknowledges that the show opened doors for his career, that may not have otherwise appeared.
Prior to auditioning, Ritchson envisioned only pursuing music. But spending time in Los Angeles for the competition exposed him to acting. That motivated him to start going on auditions after getting cut from Idol, which fast-tracked his over two-decade acting success.
Now firmly established as an in-demand actor, Ritchson stars as the lead in Amazon Prime’s hit Jack Reacher series. He also made an appearance in the last Fast and Furious installment.
Even if Ritchson did feel disillusioned by aspects of his Idol stint, he seems at peace about the past, while focused on continuing to grow his red-hot acting career.
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