Epic records "one step away from handing out deals at random"

While we can understand modeling agencies tying up with Tyra Banks to offer contracts to winners of ANTM - after all, if they're that bad, they can always be made to stand in the background - if the music industry is doing as badly as they say, it is really wise for Epic Records to agree in advance to sign a band who wins some sort of online talent show? They're down to the last five now - and Epic execs must be wondering if what they'd thought would be a PR-friendly way of hooking up with a band with a small but dedicated fanbase is going to turn out instead to be the equivalent of discovering a demon child left on their doorstep?

We've voted for Rudy and The Rhetoric. That'll show 'em