Reality TV contests love to sell you the idea that the road to stardom is simplistic and smooth, they use the commonly established narrative of rags to riches and turn real people into stories, they utilize the backstories and pain of the contestants and turn them into a tool to turn them into a character. They sells the idea that fame and success is guaranteed upon winning, but on most occasions this isn't the case. For every Carrie Underwood or Harry Styles, there's dozens of names we've forgotten, and shows like American Idol, X Factor, America's Got Talent and others are more than fine with that happening. Let's explore the glamorous lies of reality TV contests.