'American Idol' Contender Joanna Pacitti Comes Under Fire

Access Hollywood - January 22, 2009 6:03 PM PST
Story photo: 'American Idol' Contender Joanna Pacitti Comes Under FireAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Joanna Pacitti has starred on Broadway, recorded an album for Geffen records and has dated a former professional winner of "Dancing With the Stars," but she still felt she needed to give her career a boost by auditioning for Season 8 of "American Idol."

Pacitti came under fire after last night, when it was revealed she was allowed to audition and put through to "Idol's" Hollywood round on Thursday night's show.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Former 'American Idols'

The 24-year-old joined the cast of Broadway's "Annie" at the age of 11. But, she and her family ended up suing producers after Pacitti was replaced in the show after she became sick with bronchitis. Her mother filed suit for $50 million, but settled with producers out of court.

Pacitti later moved to Hollywood as a teen, signing to A&M records. She eventually released the 2006 album, "This Crazy Life" on Geffen.

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She has appeared on the soundtrack for "Legally Blonde," where she sang "Watch Me Shine," and "Out From Under" from the "Bratz" movie. In fact, "Out From Under" was re-recorded by Britney Spears on her new CD, "Circus."

But while plenty of former "Idol" contenders have had record deals prior to their "Idol" experience -- including Season 7's Kristy Lee Cook and Carly Smithson -- Pacitti's experience is considered, by some, to be much broader.

The brunette, has dated "Dancing With the Stars" professional Mark Ballas , according to his manager.

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"They have known each other for a while and are really good friends, who have also been on a couple of dates together," Ballas' manager told Access Hollywood. "They also performed at a charity benefit together a couple of months ago."

And Pacitti has already been a part of reality TV. She was featured in one of MTV's "True Life" episodes, which followed her as she worked on increasing her success. She was also featured in another documentary, following singers on the rise.

While a number of fans thought her audition was great, a host of posters on "Idol's" official forum suggested she should be disqualified because of her background and suggested she may have an advantage if she makes it to the public vote.

"The point is that because she is a 'semi-pro'... she already has a built in fan base and voting block. That skews the competition in her favor, especially in the early rounds," forum member Marcdamon wrote.

Another forum user suggested Pacitti has already had her chance at fame and is hoping it leads to an "Idol" competition rule change.

"They need to change the rules to only allow for untapped talent. Joanna has already been on 2 major labels, has had a cover done by Britney and 3 songs on 3 different movie soundtracks," Davesnay wrote. "She is taking valuable space away from somebody who hasn't already had 5-6 chances."

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MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: American Idol - Reality TV - Music - TV

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comments 1-10 of 21  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • lindsey
    i think it's totally fair if she's good enough. i'm sure it's probably a bit humbling to go from having this deal, songs on soundtracks and all, then being dropped and then needing to audition to get another shot. i mean, she'll have to compete as much as everyone else.
    report abuseposted February 5, 2009 10:45 AM PST
  • Ria B
    sorry just one more thing. She is a good example to our kids to never give up on anything if you believe its right. Even if there are sometimes consequenses.
    report abuseposted February 2, 2009 10:04 AM PST
  • Ria B
    LOL such crap She deserves a chance Doesnt anyone know how rumors are always found to be just that. Yes she had a record deal It was ONE! record not 2 Proven fact. Also she sat around from what I heard for 5 yrs while her label put her at the rear and worked on other projects. imagine 16 yrs old and getting something so big and then just sitting. So I think give her a break if she sings well
    report abuseposted February 2, 2009 9:59 AM PST
  • JeNnY D..
    who gives a %@!*# if shes good she should get to do it
    report abuseposted January 28, 2009 11:57 AM PST
  • i dnt understand the big deal she has worked her butt off, she oviously wants this bad enough if shes auditoning for american idol. it doesnt take away from anyone, if your talented your talented how is that taking sumone elses chance,audition! i feel bad for her, every time she gets close to success, she gets knocked back down. she has a great voice, and i love american idol, hope she does well!
    report abuseposted January 24, 2009 10:38 AM PST
  • Rachel A
    I like how everyone picks this to be upset about when two other contestants for this season violate past seasons. Every season before an idol has been stopped in their tracks for posing sexy or inappropriate, but this season two have made it through because of it, yes they can sing as well, but where is the justice. Bikini girl, and the girl that had her own album she made up with almost nude pic.
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 1:46 PM PST
  • Nikki
    Do we remember that Taylor Hicks had two previously recorded albums, David Cook had one too. They were for sale while they were on Idol. We didn't complain then that it was unfair. It's the music business, it's hard to get a decent break. This is Joanna trying a different path. I'm at least going to give her a shot.
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 12:07 PM PST
  • __A_YAHOO_USER__
    They should let Kara compete as well. She is the big discovery this season. Unbelievable talent. Way below the radar before joining IDOL. Everyone I know is talking about how great she is. What a firecracker. Lots of Moxy. She is "The American Idol" Her stock will skyrocket. Show would be unwatchable without her!!!!!! Checkout Platinumweird.
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 7:43 AM PST
  • __A_YAHOO_USER__
    Hell, let Kara compete from the judges panel. She is the big discovery this season. What a firecracker! Luv her moxy. She is the American Idol!!!! Everyone has now discovered her immense talent.
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 7:24 AM PST
  • KRABCAKES
    Unfair. Completely. They let great talent walk away before you even get to the producers. It's completely unfair to the people who are just regular, everyday people. I think they should totally give her the boot and let her find her own way, as she was already doing.
    report abuseposted January 23, 2009 7:03 AM PST
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