The AI producers would be insane to actually “rig” the competition. It would eventually get out, and it would ruin the show, as well as tarnish any of the talent that they’ve developed.
That’s not to say that factors other than ability and audience vote don’t go into selections when the producers have the chance. The selection of the semi-finalists, and the contenders for the “wild card” spots, are based on “who will make for good TV” as much, if not more, than talent.
It’s also not particularly news that the AI contract is pretty heinous, even by record industry standards. Still, for those who choose to compete, it may still seem like a better deal than remaining undiscovered.
So, what I think we have here is just a case of sour grapes from someone who didn’t make the cut and who might be bitter that “lesser” talent got through (only to have most of them cut again anyway that same week). He’s probably partially right that making any kind of “stink” about the contract didn’t help him, but refusing to cooperate with the “reality show” portion of the contest with regard to his background didn’t help either. Also, the producers have access to the raw vote totals — if even after positive comments, he failed to get voter support, there was no point putting him through.
“It’s also not particularly news that the AI contract is pretty heinous, even by record industry standards. Still, for those who choose to compete, it may still seem like a better deal than remaining undiscovered.”
That’s it, in a nutshell.
It’s a risk many are willing to take, despite the poor contract.