Idol Semifinalist Deemed Ineligible for Competition
Joanna Pacitti
American Idol just named its Top 36 Wednesday, but you won't get to vote for one of them.
Joanna Pacitti, who has been hotly debated on Idol fansites because of her former record deal with A&M Records, has been booted from the competition, according to a Fox press release. "It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition," the statement read. No further explanation was offered.
In addition to chatter about Pacitti's previous recording career, the singer has also been rumored to have a close relationship with some of the executives of 19 Entertainment, the company that produces Idol.
In Pacitti's place will be Felicia Barton, who was seen being eliminated Wednesday. She wasn't heavily featured on the show, but her rendition of "Put Your Records On" during the Louisville, KY, audition round did create some buzz among fans.
Pacitti has endured public controversy before. At age 11, she was cast to star in the revival of Annie and embarked on a national tour. Two weeks before the musical was to hit Broadway, Pacitti fell ill and was replaced by a new actress — permanently. Her firing generated national headlines and her mom sued for $50 million. The case was settled out of court.
What do you think of this twist?