Fox TV announced in a press release issued on Wednesday night the names of the show’s semifinalists. The network said that Joanna Pacitti was “ineligible to continue,” but did not offer further details on the matter, such as the reason of the disqualification.

 

However, a person familiar with the situation and who spoke on condition of anonymity informed The Associated Press that 24-year-old Joanna Pacitti had been dropped in order to evade any manifestation of business impropriety. In addition, another source explained that the network had taken the decision of disqualifying Pacitti from the show because she had once worked with a person who was subsequently employed by 19 Entertainment, which produces “American Idol” along with Fremantle Media.

 

Joanna Pacitti was replaced by Felicia Barton of Virginia Beach, Va., a 26-year-old Philadelphia native who had been eliminated by viewers, the network announced in a statement.

 

Pacitti, who auditioned for the show in Louisville, Ky., had a record deal with Geffen and had even released an album, which sold over 16,000 copies, according to Billboard. Moreover, “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi recognized Joanna Pacitti during the audition, since the 24-year-old had starred in “Annie” on Broadway as a young girl and contributed to the soundtracks of “Legally Blonde” and “Bratz.”

 

Pacitti’s extensive resume drew several complaints from viewers who considered she was too practiced for the popular program, which aims at discovering fresh, unpolished talents.