Joanna Pacitti Now OUT of AMERICAN IDOL After Being Deemed Ineligible

She was an "ANNIE" and he was "WICKED", but last night former theater performers Joanna Pacitti and Adam Lambert were hoping to be "IDOLS" as they both were among the Top 36 Finalists on Fox's mega hit AMERICAN IDOL.

However, that's all changed this morning with word that Joanna Pacitti is now OUT of the competition. Pacitti was "determined to be ineligible to continue in the competition" a statement from the Fox Network said in the early morning hours Thursday. She'll be replaced by Felicia Barton, 26, of Virginia Beach.

Fox has not released any more information on why she was deemed ineligible, merely hours after the reverse was determined on the show. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. Rumors have swirled for weeks about Pacitti being close friends with some 19 Entertainment (the production company behind Idol) Executives, but it's unknown if that had any bearing on her dismissal. 

Pacitti, who was hired and then fired from the 20th anniversary production of Annie advanced to the top finalist group on tonight's American Idol, joining her was former Wicked cast member Lambert. Each has been rumored to be "ones to watch" in this year's Idol challenge.

Tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 11th, dreams came true for three dozen hopefuls, as Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara announced the Top 36 semifinalists.

It will then be up to America to decide who moves forward in the competition. For three consecutive Tuesdays including: Feb. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), Feb. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and March 3 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), 12 different semifinalists will perform each night in the hopes of moving on to the Top 12. Each week during the LIVE results shows airing Wednesdays: Feb. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), Feb. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and March 4 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), the three finalists with the highest number of America's votes will secure coveted spots in the Top 12. 

On Thursday, March 5 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), AMERICAN IDOL presents a special "Wild Card" episode featuring the judges favorite remaining contestants.

After each of the contestants perform, the judges will select the three final contestants who will round out the Top 12.

The competition heats up as those Top 12 finalists take the stage for the first time together Tuesday, March 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

Immediately following, America has another chance to share its voice and vote for their favorite finalists.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America.

For more information visit, www.americanidol.com.