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'American Idol' contestant Todrick Hall faces criticism over show production

Todrick Hall: not everyone's a fan.
Todrick Hall: not everyone's a fan.
Fox

Todrick Hall may not be a household name just yet, but he already has some people rooting both for and against him. The Arlington, Texas native, who is one of the top 24 on "American Idol," recently wrote and directed a musical version of "The Wizard of Oz;" however, its failure as a professional production has reportedly left some parents and children feeling ripped off.

Many parents of young people paid Todrick's production $50 in order for their children to play a part, but when the project failed financially after a local tour the money wasn't returned. One parent expressed her thoughts:

"The sad part is, he's such a charismatic person, very talented...I would love to see him do well. But it's hard to say, 'Hey, great job!' when he's not doing what he promised to these kids."

In reality, Todrick is not necessarily directly responsible for the show's failure. He was not in charge of the business side, and a lack of contributors led to the show folding under its own weight.

Even with this in mind, Todrick will face a tough road early on thanks to some people who already feel slighted by him.

Is it admirable that Todrick Hall is so ambitious, or do you think this financial failure will impact his time on "American Idol?" Let me know your thoughts with a comment below.

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Matt Carter is a poet, journalist, and screenwriter from Dallas, TX. A former reality and game show contestant, he published his first book, "Storms of Change," in May 2008. He can be reached here.

Comments

  • Tim 2 years ago

    I don't watch American Idol and think it's a bunch of manipulated and packaged poop.
    But come on. A young man attempts to get his show produced, the money-men, those truly responsible for not refunding the fees collected, screw it up, and there are people who would have a young man's future in the trashcan because of it?
    I read in one article, one of the parents said "it wasn't fair if he gets to be the next American Idol."
    It'd be great if we could dig up not only the mistakes that this lady (and those like her) made in the past, but also those occurrences gone awry in which she was even remotely associated, and hold her accountable for them till the end of time.
    Ever lied, lady? Snagged a piece of gum? Misled someone by accident, with the best of intentions? Too bad, not fair that you should ever be able have success in any aspect of your life.

  • courtney 2 years ago

    i agree with tim. i find it particularly ridiculous that the individuals are willing to destroy his future over 50.00. i realize that times are hard, but find it hard to believe that they were willing to spend their last 50.00 on todricks production.

  • Bill 2 years ago

    "In reality, Todrick is not necessarily directly responsible for the show's failure"

    But he is the one who had the $50.00 checks written to.
    That's right....the checks were to him. $300.00 jeans. FRAUD!

  • Katie 2 years ago

    The fact is the director is not financially responsible for his/her show. The fault lies with the producer for lack of experience, planning and structure. The show was amazing and Todrick had the best intentions. He truly believed in the show and what it "could be". He would pay every parent back out of his own pocket if he could....and he tried, but that is purely because he is a caring individual with a huge heart and not because he is responsible. He took on more responsibility with this show than any other director would because he cared so much. Financially he is not to blame. Talent is not based on financial planning and if Todrick's future on Idol is jeopardized because of this situation than it is truly Idol's loss

  • Deidre 2 years ago

    Oh come on...we've heard all about guys like Todrick Hall...he doesn't care for no one but HIMSELF! He's willing to step on anyone, even young kids to get himself to the top! Yes, this may not of been his fault this time but watch out for this guy...he's now on the fast track and won't stop until he get what he wants!!!

  • flaire 2 years ago

    I'M 100% SICK of Todricks family, friends, and fans showing up to say he's now MR. Goodbar. The guy is a scammer. Maybe he doesn't get all the money, or someone else does. But there is $75,000 involved here of other peoples money. Even if he didn't plan to take it directly, he just selfishly helped to set this up without thinking deep enough about the fact that it might not work out.

    Then when it didn't he didn't even try to contact the parents. He also lied about DeGarmo's "appearance" in the show since she never even was told a thing. Sounds like a bunch of con artists to me.

    He just never thought he'd be on idol. And now that he is, he's running from it. And all his stupid fans who have crushes on him and want him to win are also selfish because they don't care what happens to the parents money, or someone elses dreams.

  • star003 2 years ago

    Calling him a scammer is what is incorrect and out of control about this whole thing. Scammer would imply some scheme or bad intention. All Todrick is guilty of is trusting inexperienced producers. Be mad, upset and disappointed that some of the shows did not work out, that’s fine. But just because Toddrick is the face your seeing does not mean he should be the target of your complaints. And the checks were made out to magic money productions. Todrick has no ties, or receives any benefits from that company. And I know for a fact that Todrick himself did not get paid. He gave up other opportunities on braodway to work on that show. He lost out on money too and now has people who do not know the facts or do not want to see the truth, trying to destroy him. Also Diana DeGarmo did in fact star as Dorothy in the show for her contracted amount of time. There are videos of her doing it look it up. Todrick had absolutely nothing to do with the money or business side of things.

  • guest 2 years ago

    $50 is not much,but it adds up quickly and before you know it Todrick is running away with thousands of dollars. According to the BBB Todrick is listed as the main owner of Magic Money productions. You can not tell me he is not at least partly responsible!

  • ozzer 2 years ago

    My contract said the producer was Dramal Musicals. Todrick owns Dramal Musicals. Therefore, Todrick was the producer. He may not have paid for it, but he owns the production company.

  • Keke 2 years ago

    Before Todrick Hall auditioned for American Idol, did the parents who feel ripped off file any formal lawsuit against Mr. Hall and/or his production company? If not, it seems like their complaining now since he is on American Idol is their effort to get publicity for their children, who like Mr. Hall, want to be stars too.

  • antionette 2 years ago

    i miss todrick hall im in love you

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