Joanna Pacitti Removed from American Idol

Joanna Pacitti has been removed from American Idol this week after controversy surrounded the singer. Pacitti has had an already long resume sheet of many attempts to jump start a career in the music biz. Pacitti has sung on numerous soundtracks including Bratz and Legally Blonde and has appeared in movies and television most notably MTV's first year. She has released an album under Geffen records as recently as Aug 2006.

The overall feedback from fans of American Idol was Joanna Pacitti should not qualify for the competition, as the perception is that the show exists to give opportunity for unknowns -- and Pacitti has had many chances already.

American Idol has removed contestants before due to questionable pasts or actions. Frenchie Davis was a semifinalist in Season 2 before being removed for topless photos. During the interview process Frenchie disclosed the photos from her passed and received no immediate reaction. Subsequently 2 months later she was removed with the reasoning that American Idol is a family show and it wouldn't be appropriate to allow her to continue.

Years later in Season 6 Antonella Barba had similar circumstances when topless photos surfaced but was not removed from Idol. The assumption was it was due to the tenor of the photos as Frenchie was paid for her photos and Antonella was not. Many people believe there was racism involved in the decision.

One of the most colorful stories was Corey Clark. In American Idol's second season Clark was removed for not being honest on his criminal past and was arrested on charges during the competition. The accusations after his removal is what made the most headlines as Corey claimed to have been in a relationship with Paula Abdul, One of the judges, during the competition. A voicemail message seemed to back up his claim but a subsequent investigation cleared Paula of any wrongdoing.

As the popularity of American Idol continues the controversies are sure to follow.

Sources: http://www.americanidol.com/