“American Idol” contestant Kristy Lee Cook was already a pop star in 2000 – in the eyes of Britney Spears.

E! Online has uncovered the deal that Cook signed when she was just 17. Spears had just formed a production company and Cook was the first artist on Spears’ roster.

Marty Rendleman, Cook’s former manager, said that “Britney would tell [Cook] how beautiful and talented she was. She told her that she would do whatever she needed to promote her and help launch her career.”

Cook asked to be released from the contract in 2003 to pursue her own projects.

Though it’s considered unfair to some fans, singers are allowed to compete in “American Idol” if they’ve had previous – but not current – record deals.

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