American Idol Mansion Is "Like a Prison"

I call this the Papa Spears effect. During the previous seasons of American Idol, contestants would sneak out of the Idol mansion and go drinking at L.A. clubs. They would reportedly  gotten into "all sorts of trouble" and producers are taking no risks this year. All of the show's season 8 finalists are under security camera surveillance in the Bel-Air mansion and they are complaining about their heavy restrictions.

An unnamed finalist, I'm hoping it was Adam Lambert, said he feels like "a bird in a gilded cage." He also added that the house is "gorgeous" but that they have "no privacy."

The $30 million mansion has a staggering 20 bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool and spa and a huge 20-seat theater, where the contestants can practice their performances. There is also a basketball court, a bowling alley, an outside pool, a gym and loads of other amenities.

From the moment a contestant enters the home until the aspiring artist falls asleep, they are shadowed by security guards. On the occasions that a bulky chaperon is not present, there are "Big Brother" style cameras rolling, recording them constantly. The cameras are set up in every room with the exception of the bathrooms and bedrooms. Awwww! There goes the leaked American Idol sex tape story that we've been waiting for.

Producers also assign drivers to all of the contestants and they are not allowed to drive their own cars. A strict curfew of 10 p.m. is in place and no overnight guests are allowed. Allison Iraheta, 16, is the exception; her mother accompanies her because she is underage.

“It’s like a pricey prison,” said the insider. “The producers aren’t taking any chances.”