A group of former American Idol contestants have lost their discrimination lawsuit against producers of the reality Tv show.

The 10 African-American singers - including Corey Clark, who alleged he briefly romanced then-judge Paula Abdul - claim they were booted off the show because of their race.

They sued American Idol producers last year (13) for more than $25 million (£15.6 million) each, accusing the Tv executives of portraying them as criminals by digging up their arrest records.

According to Tmz.com, the lawsuit has been dismissed because nine of the plaintiffs, who took part in the show prior to 2009, filed the legal action after the statute of limitations had ran out.

Only one singer, 2010 contestant Chris Golightly, filed in time, but his case was also dismissed because Idol producers could prove that he was booted from the competition for violating show rules.