Season 6: The one with Howard Stern's opinion

Another nude pic scandal hit American Idol in season six as risque photos of Jersey girl Antonella Barba were leaked. Proving her Teflon makeup, Barba was allowed to stay in the competition, leading to more accusations of racism on the part of Idol producers.

That same season, Cowell was condemned for comparing one hopeful's looks to a ''bush baby,'' while shock jock Howard Stern poked his nose where nobody wanted it by encouraging his listeners to "vote for the worst" contestant, Sanjaya Malakar. You'd think he had something against reality singing shows, but then he went and sold-out joined the judging panel of America's Got Talent.