I feel bad for him... but rules are rules. If they let him continue then somebody else will do the same thing in the future.

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's the scoop

That's too bad. I hope it wasn't his last shot age-wise, and I hope he can come back next season. His father should have known:-(

Too bad he didn't realize his dad had a big mouth. I won't tell my dad anything I don't want others to know. He can't keep a secret at all.

I've often thought about how hard it must be not to be able to talk about the results when you have been in one of these shows. The shows aren't on TV for quite a while after it is over, and you can't tell anybody. I guess Mike should not have told his father.

I hope this won't cause a big problem between Mike and his father. Really sad.

Maybe something good can still come out of this.

Sue

They sign confidentiality agreements to walk in the door. You don't tell anyone if you don't want the chance of them telling someone. I have friends and relatives who I know can't be trusted to keep something quiet so I simply won't tell them. A couple get offended that I don't tell them stuff, especially when after the fact they find out, but like I told my cousin your problem isn't that you intended to betray me in the past, you can't help it. The (his mother's) side of the family WON'T keep their mouths shut, and the (his father's) side CAN'T keep their mouths shut! So you come by it honestly.

Here's the thing about contests. They are NOT EVER run to make the winner rich/famous/happy. Contests are for the benefit of the sponsor. They are designed to put more money in the sponsor's pocket in some way or another--publicity, more sales, a bigger share of the TV market, etc. The sponsor counts on being able to control the publicity to get the maximum mileage out of it.

Anyone who goes into a contest situation needs to understand that, and to follow the rules if they want any chance at all. Yes, it's a shame that this kid isn't going to get to compete because of someone else's mistake, but sponsors have the right to run their contests any way they choose and to disqualify anyone who ignores the criteria. Having been involved in contesting (in another field) for over 25 years, I strongly believe and agree with that. It cheapens the win for everyone else, if one person is allowed to ignore the requirements.

But always remember, any contest--including AI--is solely there to benefit the sponsor.

It is very unfortunate but I am glad that AI is making this decision. Dad has to step up and take responsibility for his actions. Sad but the right thing to do.

A I has turned into a side show anyway (like the sideshows at the old time circus') Now with the guest panelists and Simon leaving . . . .never could take the program seriously.IMHO