Chris Golightly has become this year’s first American Idol casualty. After making it through to the final 24 contestants and getting set for the live shows, producers axed Chris because he couldn’t prove that he had been released from a previous management contract.

Ryan Seacrest confirmed the news on his Twitter page writing:

been determined that Chris Golightly is ineligible to continue on IDOL, contestant Tim Urban has replaced Golightly as part of the Top 24

In an interview with JoesPlaceBlog, Chris claimed that while he had previously signed a boyband contract, it expired back in June 2009. JoesPlace reports:

“Chris had an old contract with a Boy Band. That contract expired in June on 2009. Chris then auditioned in July for American Idol. After the contract had expired. When Chris made it to Hollywood, he had to sign the standard AI contract. It asks if he had any current contracts. Chris answered No. Chris then makes it to the top 24 in January 2010.”

“About a week ago, the person that Chris had a Contract previously with called Chris and American Idol and told them that he still had a valid contract. Chris said that no, he was released from his contract, but couldn’t find his copy of the release

Yesterday there was a flurry of telephone calls between Chris and Patrick Linn, Steve Lowe, Joe Wills and Andy Stinson (All AI, 19, or Fox big wigs).

Patrick Lynn called Chris at 5 pm yesterday and told him that he was out for not proving that he no longer had a valid contract.

Right after hanging up the phone, the old manager FINALLY found the contract release. He emailed it to all above as well as to Chris. Now, no one will take his call.”

We feel awful for Chris and know that last night’s American Idol must have been painful to watch. We just hope that he has gained enough exposure from the show so far, to be able to forge a decent music career over the coming years.

Watch Chris’ first AI audition below.