American Idol Replaces Joanna Pacitti in Top
36

From LoveToKnow Celebrity

We've made it to the Top 36 in season eight of American Idol, and many fans have been in an uproar over what appeared to be a ringer in the group. 23 year old Joanna Pacitti auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky and won raves for her rendition of We Belong, originally by Pat Benetar.

Joanna Pacitti's Music Career

Idol fans are nothing if not thorough and soon reports were swirling about Pacitti's recording career. She's starred on Broadway, recorded a major label record and contributed to the soundtracks of a handful of Hollywood movies and television series, among them Legally Blonde and The Hills. Pacitti also starred in an MTV reality show called First Year, during which she spent a year launching her music career. With this impressive background, she didn't seem to be a good fit for the American Idol competition.

Replaced by Felicia Barton

After the Top 36 show aired and viewers saw Pacitti advance, FOX released a statement saying that Pacitti had been replaced by Felicia Barton. Barton hasn't been featured on the show much, but we did see her audition in Louisville.

FOX didn't give much of an explanation for the replacement, saying only that Pacitti was "ineligible to continue in the competition." Apparently, however, her ineligibility goes farther than just her experience.

Pacitti has worked and become close friends with two executives for 19 Entertainment, the production company behind American Idol. Michelle Young and Roger Widynowski both lived in the same apartment complex as Pacitti for several years and have been credited by Pacitti herself as playing key roles in her success.

Idol Controversies

This is just the latest in a string of controversies that have surrounded the American Idol franchise. Previously, there were allegations that judge Paula Abdul was sleeping with a contestant, and one obsessed fan killed herself in front of Abdul's home. In season six, racy photos of contestant Antonella Barba began turning up online.

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