Eh, the story title is kind of misleading. He means rigged as in very one sided contracts, rather than rigged as in the voting doesn't count. Most similar reality show prizes are similarly rigged. On hell's kitchen like half of the chefs don't even work at the restaurants that they won jobs to. I really have little sympathy since these people already took like a huge shortcut to fame via the show. it's basically the choice between a one sided contract vs slinging burgers. Not only that but even hard working legitimate artists get really one sided contracts until they essentially reach legend status. This guy needs a reality check.
You do your best as a performer jumping through their hoops, then save your own personal best for when you're approached by a dozen record companies, agents, whatever. It's advertising for you as a performer. You may not get much up front, but it'll pay off in the long run if you stick with it.
I'm not sure that Hell's Kitchen is quite the right comparison - yes the winners might not quite get what they expect, but unlike <country> idol they've usually got the experience before coming on the show. A chef will never make the sort of money the sort of money a pop star witll or be as well known but something like Michelin Stars will carry more prestige than a dozen grammys
Exactly, the news is months old and everyone agrees the guy is an ass. I'm not saying the show isn't set up, but the guy who is saying it is an ass.
I'm sure they have SOME experience, but their talent seems to pale in comparison to the quality of work produced by the Top Chef or Next Iron Chef contestants.