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Thankfully, it appears FOX is realizing that as well: On January 23, GLAAD stated they had begun “what we hope will be a productive, ongoing conversation [with FOX] about the show's representation and discussion of sexual orientation and gender expression.”

I think it's a great start,” says Sparkles. “I think seeking [an] apology is good, but I think influencing [AI] to change would be better. [Also], GLAAD is a wonderful organization, and organizations need money. C'mon. How many millions does American Idol [make]? We could use a little something for our cause.”

Though Verraros believes the ultimate solution is to eliminate all negative comments, he is nevertheless encouraged by GLAAD's decision. “I do think that it'll definitely clear the air. Maybe this is a warning sign for FOX and American Idol, saying, ‘Hey. These comments didn't have to air. You edit things so much as it is. Why let a few comments about sexuality get through? Why is that important? Why is that important to you? Why do we need to see that?' And we don't. We really don't. And I think GLAAD will give them a slap on the wrist, or maybe worse, and hopefully, things will change.”

And though the network seems close to making an apology, Cowell and Jackson do not. About Travis's audition, Cowell had this to say to Extra: “I didn't know what he was, to be quite honest with you. Nothing surprises me anymore.” And to the Miami Herald, he said, “If we censored the show and took out everything that's controversial, it would be quite a dull show, I think.” (Think harder, Simon.) Jackson, meanwhile, claimed (also on Extra ) that “you can be gay [on AI]. You can be [whoever] you want to be.”

Gay contestants, though, don't just care if they can be gay. They also want to know if they have as fair a chance of winning as their straight counterparts do.

Unfortunately, they may not.

And that's pretty ironic when you consider that if it wasn't for the success of openly gay first-season Pop Idol (England's original version of AI) winner Will Young, AI wouldn't even exist.

Verraros believes it is difficult for Cowell and Jackson to keep an open mind when faced with a gay candidate who's very obvious about his sexuality—regardless of whether the candidate comes out or not. “American Idol is very Middle American mainstream. It's what's safe. It's what's gonna sell. It's very cookie-cutter. They choose people they can mold. And a gay artist? I don't know. I think that's a big red flag. That's a big risk,” he says. Also, he thinks that it's easier for females to connect with a masculine male.

Verraros believes he would not have gotten as far in the competition as he did, if he had come out while on the show.  

As for whether there will be an openly gay winner (or even candidate) this season, Verraros says he strongly doubts it.  

Sparkles says that candidates are just considered money-making tools to the folks at AI —and openly gay candidates are thought to appeal to a less desirable demographic.

But, she says, a gay man could potentially be a winner if he's not overly flamboyant, has amazing talent, and is more focused on his music than his sexuality.

“And then,” she says, “when he gets the record deal, he can wear rainbow from head
to toe.”

Get more info about American Idol at the official website
Get more info about the former contestants at
JimVerraros.com and AmnesiaSparkles.com

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