Posted February 16, 2009

Joanna Pacitti Cut from Idol Top 36




Joanna Pacitti of Philadelphia, PA . was disqualified by American Idol producers last week due and replaced by Felicia Barton of Virginia Beach, VA. Idol executives explained only that it had been determined that Pacitti was “ineligible” to continue in the competition. 
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American Idol has long billed itself as an amateur competition and its official rules require that otherwise qualified contestants not have a current recording contract or talent management agreement. While Pacitti did not have a existing recording deal or management contract, she did have a record deal in 2006 in which she released a not so successful album titled “This Crazy Life.” At the age of 12 she was selected to play the lead role in a touring production of “Annie,” which she later had to give up due to illness. Other professional credits include background vocals on the soundtrack of “Bratz” the motion picture.

Despite this background, American Idol did not cite this part of her history as the reason for her disqualification, since she disclosed all this to producers at the outset. Moreover, other contestants in previous seasons, such as Carly Smithson, had previous record deals as well and were kept on. More than likely, the deciding factor for producers was Pacitti’s close relationship with several of the show’s talent execs. The agents work for 19 Entertainment, the talent management company headed by the creator of American Idol, Simon Fuller.

Pacitti’s familiarity with industry professionals was even evident on the show during her initial audition before the Idol judges. Idol judge Kara DioGuardi said that she recognized her as she walked in. A Fox source told the LA Times that Pacitti was cut “to avoid the appearance of impropriety.” Ultimately she was cut for her relationships with top agents on the show.




Pacitti's Replacement in the Idol top 36;
Felicia Barton









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