Ah, the perils of placing second on "American Idol." The emotional distress is bad enough. But the Associated Press says the contract for season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez is especially troubling.

It's apparently the first time in the show's history "that producers are not offering the show's runner-up an album deal that in previous years came with a guaranteed advance of at least $175,000," according to the AP.

Do I feel a little bad for Jessica? Sure. Am I surprised? Nope.

Marketability is a huge concern for anyone who comes out of "Idol." I think the public has become increasingly cynical about buying music from singers who come out of reality TV contests, regardless of their level of talent.

Read the full Associated Press story here.