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American Idol Wannabe Already Has a Record

Posted Jan 18th 2007 3:49PM by TMZ Staff

Before he wowed Simon, Paula and Randy during last night's "American Idol," Thomas Daniels took his fair share of punishment from real judges over several criminal charges, including drunk driving.

TMZ has unearthed legal documents which reveal that in 2004, Daniels was convicted of DUI in Clackamas, Oregon. The 21-year-old, who was the first wannabe to get the green light from the "AI" crew on last night's show, pled guilty and was sentenced to a one-year alcohol diversion program and a $680 fine. Daniels also attended eight AA meetings and saw a counselor once a week for two months. After the completing his DUI sentence, the incident was wiped from Daniels' record.

TMZ spoke exclusively with Daniels who said, in reference to his DUI, "I was young and dumb and drinking and driving."

In December 2005, Daniels was arrested again; this time for hit and run. He failed to appear in court for the arraignment, so Daniels was rearrested. TMZ could not find the disposition of the hit and run. Daniels called the incident "another young and dumb situation."

When asked if he disclosed his criminal past to "American Idol" producers, Daniels had no comment.

Tags: thomas daniels, ThomasDaniels

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76. tmz acts like people care, so many people have dui's and so many people have driven drunk several times be it from 1 drink, getting high, taking medicine. just because our (as in those born around 1983) generation did not have the benefit of the previous generation in terms of having Law enforcement slap us on the hand or drive us home or pull us over and pour out our alcohol and tell us to be on our way, does not mean that one with a dui is malem in se. there were barely any dui laws upon the dawn of the 1990's!!!

Posted at 5:35PM on Jan 19th 2007 by maximus

77. Simon has gone a bit too far by telling that young man he looked like an African monkey with bulging eyes. Since when does ones features need to be brought to ones attention on national tv. This is an insult to the American public and to that young man. No one needs to be ridiculed about their physical features and put down like that.

Posted at 5:35PM on Jan 19th 2007 by dolores bellimer

78. Heck, I can sing better than he can. He's not that good a singer in the first place.

Posted at 5:38PM on Jan 19th 2007 by mary

79. Youg and Dumb ! Give boy a chance, People Change ! Kids will be kids For God`s sake ! Let him sing ! Let him Sing !

Posted at 5:59PM on Jan 19th 2007 by Mark Fincher

80. Honestly that is so gay that anyone even cares that he got a dui. Why even bring that out. People are so f'n ridiculous to think that is a big deal. God, what is wrong with people. just so lame

Posted at 6:08PM on Jan 19th 2007 by kat

81. HEY TROUTDALE...WTF? NO MATTER WHERE YOUR FROM A HIT AND RUN IS A CRI ME. I DON'T KNOW ANY "NICE" GUYS THAT HIT AND RUN!

Posted at 8:23AM on Jan 22nd 2007 by COCO

82. So he got a DUI....That does not mean he cannot sing. If people would just mind their own trashy business ,this would be a better world. People just walk around in their dull lives looking to find something bad to talk about. I hate this website.

Posted at 6:21PM on Jan 19th 2007 by grandma

83. I have known Tommy for several years. It is sad to see what the media is doing to people who are trying to get ahead. Tommy has worked hard to get on AI.
The charges were cleared so TMZ had no right to bring them to everyones attention. I know if Tommy makes to the final 12 I will be voting for him.
Tommy is strong person and will not let this get him down, his family, friends and community are behind him 100%.

Posted at 7:36PM on Jan 19th 2007 by RD

84. Your own report said the matter was DISMISSED......so, dismiss it

Posted at 6:40PM on Jan 19th 2007 by bob

85. AI is a talent and/or popularity contest, not a forum for digging up past ohhs and ahhs, with or w/o finger pointing. He paid his debt to society, let the boy sing and win or lose on that.

Posted at 6:56PM on Jan 19th 2007 by Panhandle Sue

86. I agree with you Manny & Doug.

Posted at 7:07PM on Jan 19th 2007 by Alisa

87. Im deaf and i love rock and roll and i love and wish to sing if i was not good i would accept it but for the judge to show unrespect would need alot of grown up to do everyone is trying there best so show respect for others as you guys made it to the stars and look the other way how would you guys feel if it was the other way for you. You guys were good and lucky to become an actor and singer so be glad for what you have and give the others a chance and respect them for there voice and acts not there looks God Bless.

Posted at 7:14PM on Jan 19th 2007 by Brian

88. There is no need of the information as offered. Is the world gone coucou on peoples privacy and confidentiality? He is not running for public office nor has been elected DA. I hope these dirt digging archeologist dig up their own filth.

Posted at 7:35PM on Jan 19th 2007 by Emmanuel

89. I think he should be kicked out. He was charged with a DUI u would think he would learn, but then a hit and run or no that is not right. What if he would of killed the person he hit that right means he is not a good person to have a chance to make it in adol. When there are other people who dream to be in the show? The way i see it you can't teach a old dog new tricks.

Posted at 7:45PM on Jan 19th 2007 by Dorothy

90. This is not news.

This is not gossip.

This guy is not a celebrity.

Pretty soon everyone will have to lock themselves up in their houses because the TMZ folk's are snooping into non-relevant personal info that has no bearing on anything.

Posted at 7:46PM on Jan 19th 2007 by Bridget

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