Josh Gracin Weighs In on ‘Idol’ Controversy

Josh Gracin is a former 'American Idol' contestant, so when controversy broke between Taylor Swift's record label head and Idol's first winner, Kelly Clarkson, he definitely had an opinion.

Big Machine Records President Scott Borchetta ruffled some feathers last month when he defended Taylor's Grammy performance, saying, "This is not 'American Idol.' This is not a competition of getting up and seeing who can sing the highest note." Kelly shot back in a post on her blog with, "You might see why it's upsetting to read you attacking 'American Idol' for producing simply vocalists that hit the high notes ... you know what, we not only hit the high notes, you forgot to mention we generally hit the 'right' notes as well."

Gracin tells the9513.com that although he respects Scott Borchetta, he agrees with Kelly in his feelings that the 'Idol' comparison was unwarranted.

"I think Scott Borchetta is a brilliant man. When things were going bad at Lyric Street -- and even before Lyric Street -- I wanted to go where Scott Borchetta was. I just knew by talking with the man that he is a brilliant marketer, a brilliant promoter, and that's what he's done. But I felt, before you can make shots at something, you better know what you're making shots at," Josh says. "Making shots at a TV show based on vocal talent and vocal ability is a wrong example to use, in my opinion. To be honest, some of the things he's worked with, wouldn't have made it on the show at all. It's not putting anything against anybody. We think that just because we've got money and we've got a push behind it and we've got some kind of marketing gimmick, then anything can happen. The American Dream is 'anything can happen,' but it needs to happen based on your skills. I think for him to make a statement like that is comparing apples to oranges."

Josh's new single, 'Over Me,' is slated for release later this year.