http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanid...stant-swap.html

Updated: Joanna Pacitti disqualified from 'American Idol,' Felicia Barton in
11:23 PM PT, Feb 11 2009

A bit of a mystery has emerged on the first night of "American Idol's" season proper.

Just as the Green Mile episode was put to bed today, a contestant has gone missing: Joanna Pacitti, who has been considered one of the favorites because of her previous singing experience.

The official Fox news release announcing the top 36 contestants lists female singers Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta, Anne Marie Boskovich, Arianna Asfar, Casey Carlson, Felicia Barton, Jackie Tohn, Jasmine Murray, Jeanine Vailes, Jesse Langseth, Kendall Beard, Lil Rounds, Megan Corkrey, Mishavonna Henson, Stevie Wright, Tatiana Del Toro, Kristen McNamara and Taylor Vaifanua.

And below the long list of names was this:

"[EDITOR'S NOTE: It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition. AMERICAN IDOL contestant Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36.]"

That's right, no Joanna Pacitti, whom we saw make it through the Green Mile tonight. And the list includes Felicia Barton, who was seen being sent packing on the Green Mile episode.

A source close to the show now tells us that Pacitti was disqualified to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

In the last week, tabloids had been reporting on a private relationship between Pacitti and executives of 19 Management, one of the companies overseeing "Idol."

-- Richard Rushfield

I saw this earlier and I'm excited about it since Felicia is from VA Beach!

Thanks for the info Pam!

Nothing against Felicia, but I would have liked to see Jamar go through.

I so agree with you Karen! No Jamar but Norman/Nick!! What were they thinking!

Obviously the judges weren't listening to themselves when they were telling others that they had to be unique and stand out. He stood out in all ways, voice, style, his demeanor...the judges botched this one..

They did say they were bringing back the wildcard this season, so maybe he'll get a chance that way

In no way do I want to disrespect Joanna. I remember her as a little girl winning the part of and then being fired from "Annie." It was hearthbreaking and unfair. And I'm sorry that she had an unsuccessful album. But, from the beginning, without knowing about the 19 connection, I was very put off by her continuing to go through and I really didn't know why. I had no problem with Carly and Brooke last year. They deserved second chances. Even Archie winning Star Search. It was when he was a kid and he had medical issues and worked his way back to health and a great voice. But I feel like Joanna was having some success with some songs on soundtracks and other things. I could be totally wrong, but she just seemed like so much of a pro, much more than I've ever seen before on the show. She seems like a lovely girl and has a good voice, but when it was revealed that she messed up the lyrics repeatedly during Hollywood Week and she made the top 36 anyway, that's when I really wondered what was up and I don't usually think that way.

I'm not that familiar with Felicia and I'm sure that they wanted to replace a female with a female, but I too have an issue with Jamar being cut while Nick Mitchell went through. Looking at the video from Disney with all seven Idols, who can you more likely standing with them-Jamar or Nick? I'm feeling that some were put through just for other purposes and not real exceptional talent.

I hope Joanna does find some career success with 19 after all of this. I think that they could stand to help her out after setting her up and then pulling her out.
Jessica

Agreed, Jamar was robbed. It seems like this year they are more concerned with ratings than talent. Anyone else agree?

Obviously, they weren't thinking.

If they put Nick/Norman purely for the sake of entertainment value, I would say he's neither entertaining or funny. I won't be too surprised if he's one of the reasons viewers will press the mute button on him.