McPhee, Hicks and Studdard shown the door

CALL it the "Industry of Hard Knocks" and three American Idol finalists can tell you what it's all about.

Season 5 champ Taylor Hicks parted ways with J. Records. The rumour mill has it as "mutual consent" and Hicks described it as "artistic freedom and control was exciting for him".

Hicks' debut album barely reached 700,000 in sales. So that could be another reason for the mutual parting of ways.

This silvered hair people's champion has the dubious honour of being the first Idol winner to fail to make it to the millionth mark with his first album.

Next on the hit list was Season 2 victor Ruben Studdard. He was shown the door by J. Records following his 2006 release of his album The Return.

That album just skimmed the surface of 236,000 copies.

Hot on the heels of Idol finalists who were shown the door was Katharine McPhee.

Her record label, Sony BMG had reportedly cut her loose after the poor showing of her Eponymous Effort which came out in late 2006.

The album almost didn't make it pass the 365,000 sales mark. Meanwhile, there's no official word from RCA Records about McPhee's departure.

Word has it that McPhee may be compelled now to concentrate on her acting career.

This pretty lass is currently involved in two flicks: I Know What Boys Like and The Last Caller.

We wish all three, Hicks, Studdard and McPhee all the best in their future undertakings.

It's a tough world out there, as the trio have found out in a hurry.