"American Idol" is much more than a singing competition. It often turns into a popularity contest, and this year TMZ is not afraid to drag the "Idol" hopefuls through the mud.

The crazy thing is, we're still VERY early in the "Idol" competition. At this point names don't need much, but from now on Robbie Carrico will be known to me as "the guy TMZ says wears a wig."

According to the gossip gangsters over on the West coast, Robbie's long locks are fake. Evidently Carrico wears a wig on "American Idol," but he doesn't admit it.

As you can tell, Robbie is going for the rocker edge despite the fact that he is a former unsuccessful boybander. Carrico also once dated Britney Spears and was a member of the band "Boyz 'n Girlz."

You know a beautiful long blonde wig is sooo much more 'rocker' than spikey gelled hair... or is it?!