ET has the latest... "American Idol" isn't just for amateurs anymore. According to USA Today , there are a number of contestants in this season's final 24 who've had recording contracts in the not-so-distant past. KRISTY LEE COOK was once signed with BRITNEY SPEARS ' production company, MICHAEL JOHNS ' band signed with MADONNA 's Maverick label, until they were dropped. And CARLY SMITHSON recorded with MCA. Her debut album made $2 million, but she was dropped for poor sales. ...