The idea of including people who have already had minor, unsuccessful careers doesn't bother me.  They're looking for the undiscovered.  I've got to think there's tons of talent that has merely connect to its audience for one reason or another. 

Of course, inserting the kids that the production team has already been grooming is a dicier matter.

(I missed about 80% of the show last night.  Caught the homeless kid at the end, and his vibratoed accent creeped the hell out of me.  It might sound better, more quirky than weird,  when it's paired up with his guitar.  With any luck, I'll see him, the South American guy, and the biker nurse stuck with each other in the group section.  I'll bring the beer and wiseass comments.)