American Idol Fodder

Joanna Pacitti Kicked Off "Idol"

Just when the Top 36 contestants on "American Idol" thought they were safe, one unlucky contestant got the boot today.

Joanna Pacitti, who advanced to the Top 36 on Wednesday after facing the four judges, was kicked out of the competition Thursday before she even had a chance to compete for America's votes. According to Entertainment Weekly, the singer was let go today because Fox said she "is ineligible to continue in the competition."

It's unclear what that means, but EW cites two potential reasons for the pink slip. For one, Pacitti once had a recording contract with A&M Records, which the judges even commented on while they deliberated her fate on Wednesday night's show. It's possible her contract prevented her from being on the show, though EW says it could have something to do with close friendships she may have had with two 19 Entertainment executives. And since 19 is the company that produces "Idol," it could have created a conflict of interest.

Replacing her in the Top 36 is 26-year-old Felicia Barton, who first won the judges over with a rendition of "Put Your Records On" in Louisville, KY. Coincidentally, that's the same city where Pacitti auditioned and won her golden ticket. Only time will tell why the producers made the decision, and whether or not the viewing audience can get behind a contestant who's had very little screen time. -Chris Sardelli

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Posted by Chris on February 13, 2009 2:31 PM
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