Is it "FAIR" for IDOL to let PROS compete?  

None of them are really professionals. Being a backup singer really doesn't mean much. I had a friend in highschool who was a backup singer for Michael Bolton. It did nothing for him and he never launched any type of real music career. Calling Gina Glocksen and Chris Sligh professionals just because they sing in a band is plain ignorant. ANYONE can sing in a band. It doesn't make you a professional just because you and your friends rock out in a garage or some local club. The only rule is that they can't be under contract as a singer with a record label. None of the contestants are under contract, nor have any of them ever released an album.

I think it is fair that these people are allowed to compete because even though they have singing experience or are in a band already, does not mean that everyone will like their voice. They may have some popularity in the towns they play in but there is a very slim chance that most of the world has not heard them sing before and may not like them or vote for them. If it was Bon Jovi or someone famous, that would be a different story but the ones that most people have not heard about I think it is okay.

I think it is i mean They aren't the main singers they have just had a lot of good back up practice so this gives them hope that they will be the lead.

Being a professional singer is different from being a recording artist. I think the American Ido rules states that while the former is allowed, the latter is not.

I don't think being a professional singer (lead or back up) gives an unfair advantage to those who are novices in this game or contest. Take a look at Brandon Rogers. He is a back up singer. But he was the first to go in the Top 12. He messed up his lyrics. The American voting public did not look past that mistake. On the other hand, Haley is fairly new to the game and she forgot her lyrics too. Perhaps, they just did not like Brandon's performance in general.

It does give an edge to some though like in Melinda's case. Her experience as a professional back up singer gives her that confidence in the stage while performing. Techniques in singing which she has acquired from being a professional singer adds too in bringing an excellent performance. And in fairness to her, she does give her heart out in every performance. That is what we see. And the American voting public sees that too!

I think the consistency in bringing your game up to the next level is the most critical factor in every performance. Experience and expertise in singing only adds up to a solid performance. Jordin or Blake is a testament to the former statement while Melinda, to the latter.

If it had was "American AMATEUR Idol" then yes but otherwise no. They are also trying for their big break.