'Idol' Finalists The Show Is not really RACIST

4 "American Idol" finalists coming from diverse periods -- 2 of whom are actually black -- persist the performing levels of competition are a lot of things ... however racist isn't one of them.

TMZ shattered the report ... 9 black ex-participants are preparing to prosecute "Idol" producers, declaring the participants were publically disqualified depending on their doubtful criminal experience ... exclusively simply because they're African-American.

However Season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle adamantly disagrees, informing TMZ, "It is shocking to see such allegations. In my experience on the show, the 'Idol' team strives to champion everyone, regardless of race. However, each contestant is explicitly told that the withholding of information that may compromise the show or artist, can and will result in immediate disqualification."

Season 4 finalist Vonzell Solomon provides, "I didn’t experience any of that [racial discrimination] ... all of our contracts were clear about how the background checks worked and that we could be disqualified if we lied about our past."

Two some other previous contestants -- Season 5 champion Taylor Hicks and also Season 10 finalist Casey Abrams -- also agree.

Casey states, "I don't know why they are biting the hand that fed them. Those guys beat thousands of people who wanted to be on TV. Idol is picky, but I'm not sure about racist."

Taylor -- whose Vegas display continues to be going powerful -- offers, "American Idol is for everyone.  All walks of life go through the show.  Not once did I see the show discriminate towards anyone.  It’s all about the votes."

FYI -- "Idol" has had three black winners in its history ... Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino and Jordin Sparks.

Fox together with "Idol" producers haven't yet react to the accusations.