TMZ says Amy Brumfield -- an "American Idol" hopeful who lives in a tent and advanced to Hollywood -- has a criminal past.

The site says she was arrested at least six times in the past seven years and suggests she fought "a serious battle with alcohol." It appears that the most recent arrest was in 2010.

This likely won't be TMZ's final background check on this season's "Idol" contestants. The stories make interesting Internet headlines, but I wonder if they affect the way viewers perceive the singers.

Weigh in: Will you stop rooting for an "American Idol" contestant if sites like TMZ reveal he/she has been arrested in the past?