The first season 8 controversy - Pacitti out

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.


What do you think of this twist?