The Newest Stunt from American Idol: Was Sanjai's Crying Fan Staged?

Last week we all watched our favorite reality talent contest American Idol and were moved by the tears of one little girl. She was show in the crowd on several occasions but when the singer Sanjai came onto the stage and delivered his remixed version of "Girl, You Really Got Me Now". This young girl broke down, acting like a crazed Beetle fan crying and sobbing at the presence of the singer.

After Sanjai's performance Ryan Seacrest talked about the girl and it came to light that her name was Ashley. Ashley tries to regain composure, but when Sanjai went down into the crowd and gave the girl a hug she fell to pieces. This was one of the most memorable moments in Idol history, and we all thought how sweet and tender it was. But the question has come up, was this innocent candid moment, so candid or innocent?

Evidence has surfaced that the little girl, Ashley Ferral, was actually awarded that specific seat after a rehearsal she attended in which she was seen crying like in much the same fashion that she was while on TV. Producers thought about the publicity she would bring if she was seen like that on the show, and so gave her that seat, right behind the producers in perfect view of the cameras. They took a gamble on the fact that little Ashley would be moved to tears during the course of the show, and they were correct.

It was very fitting in the events oft the weeks theme. The music was all selected form the 60's and to be from the time of the British Invasion. A time when the Beetles brought girls to their knees and caused a cultural revolution. How fitting for young Ashley to mimic this during the live performances of the top 11 finalist?

By no means were her tears or emotion fake, but this stunt just goes to show how far producers of American Idol will go for the higher ratings and to manipulate the American public. I personally don't mind the stunt, but just feel bad for the exploitation of this little girl. On the other hand, she had a great seat, and got to be up on stage with all the idols during the final segment of the show, so I guess everything works out, but it does pose a question to me and others. What else has the show done to manipulate viewers?

We all know that some contestants more then others get coverage from day one, and that can really affect the outcome of the show. We get attached to certain contestants from the get go and that can really effect how we vote. Of course no matter what you say or do, it won't change the fact that we all watch and love this show. The banter between Ryan and Simon may be staged, the crowd fixed, and the singers awful, but week after week you know that we will all be back in front of the TV Tuesday, 8:00 EST to see our favorites perform and on the phone lines for hours afterward making calls to keep the singers we love the most form going home.