But standing in front of another kind of judge?

That’s a different story and one that, unfortunately, many"American Idol" contestantscan tell.

He faces up to 25 years in jail.

American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan with shocked expressions

A year later in May 2021, the Alabama man was arrested by police on charges of domestic violence.

He was accused of a misdemeanor incident involving harassment and held on a $1000 bond.

He was released on $1500 bail.

Caleb Kennedy in black cowboy hat

Swift was eliminated in Hollywood week, but not before the judge bequeathed him his cowboy boots.

He was slapped with a misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence and a felony charge of cocaine possession.

A month later, in April 2009, the singer was pulled over due to a broken brake light.

Doug Kiker in backwards ball cap

Turns out, that was the least of her problems.

An outstanding warrant from 2007 caused the singer to be arrested and booked.

Langseth spent the night in jail before paying the $300 bond.

Laine Hardy wearing his merch with a guitar

Sadly, Harris died from a heart attack in January 2023 at the age of 31.

Bultongez was arrested on multiple charges of sexual assault for having sex with a 16-year-old girl.

Bultongez turned himself in, and was held on a $50,000 bond.

CJ Harris smiling in black shirt

In June 2023, he took a plea deal and was given eight years of probation.

Antonella Barba on red carpet

Colby Swift with guitar and audition badge

Jesse Langseth singing with mic in hand

Cecil Ray with floppy Bieber hair

Ron Bultongez with guitar and serious expression