She’s in, she’s out.
Controversial “Idol” contender Joanna Pacitti was given the green-light by judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi on last night’s episode, but the Top 36 contestant has since been yanked from the show’s roster and replaced by 26-year-old Felicia Barton.
“It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition,” read a statement released by Fox directly following last night’s two-hour show.
Pacitti’s appearance on “Idol” was controversial from the start because of previous record deals with A&M Records and Geffen, where she worked with a manager who is now with 19 Entertainment–the company that produces “Idol.”
Fans of the show labeled Pacitti a “plant,” a term used to describe singers who have already had careers in the industry.
This isn’t the first time the show has been accussed of letting semi-professionals into the competition.
Last year, Carly Hennessy, who eventually placed sixth, had a prior record deal with MCA where Jackson had worked when she was signed.
Barton, Pacitti’s replacement, auditioned in Louisville, KY but only appeared on-screen in a quick montage of contestants who received a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Felicia Barton joins ‘American Idol’ roster after Joanna Pacitti disqualified
