Posted on Friday, Apr. 06, 2007

'Idol' backup singers help contestants sound like stars

By Lynn Elber

When Haley Scarnato blanked on the lyrics to "Missing You" on "American Idol," Sy Smith did everything she could to help. When Chris Sligh lost the rhythm on a song, Sharlotte Gibson was there for him.

And when contestants want to borrow professional gloss for their performances, backup singers Smith, Gibson and Kenya C. Hathaway deliver.

The women, who routinely work with the likes of Beyonce and Mariah Carey, are the "American Idol" equivalent of a Charlie's Angels musical rescue squad, doing everything within their power to make would-be stars shine.