A note posted today on the American Idol Top 36 page notes that:
“It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition. Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36.”
Billboard reports:

“There’s been a decent amount of controversy surrounding Pacitti’s professional past, including not only her former record deal (with A&M/Geffen, which released her debut album, “This Crazy Life,” in 2006), but also an opening slot on the last Nick Lachey tour (Lachey is signed to Jive Records, which is owned by Sony BMG, the company that awards a recording contract to the “Idol” winner) and dubious connections to staffers at 19 Entertainment, including Pacitti’s former manager.
“In addition, her songs have appeared on high-profile soundtracks such as “Legally Blonde” and later on albums by major pop stars, like Britney Spears. She also had a long battle with the producers of a national tour of “Annie,” who released Pacitti from a starring role after she contracted bronchitis — a scandal covered by major news outlets at the time.”

According to Reality TV World, Pacitti’s connections to 19 Entertainment’s Michelle Young and Roger Widynowski are key factors; Pacitti has also allegedly called Young her “manager” and “best friend” and credited Widynowski — a former RCA Records publicist — with “helping me get where I am today,” according to the tabloid, Star.
American Idol doesn’t require that artists have never had a record deal; they just can’t be signed currently. But did Pacitti’s connections and her past give her too much of an advantage over other contestants?
It’s a nice stroke of luck for Felicia Barton (pictured), but my complaint? Why do we have to have an equal number of guys and girls? Why can’t we replace Joanna Pacitti with Jamar Rogers, who never should have been elminated?
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And if you want more American Idol show recap, visit my Idol blog at NewChristianVoices.com.
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