New Details Emerge on Pacitti 'IDOL' Ousting

She was almost an "ANNIE" and was hoping to be an "IDOL" however as reported earlier, that's all changed 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 of today, Thursday February 12th, 2009. She'll be replaced by Felicia Barton, 26, of Virginia Beach.

Fox has not released any more information on why she was deemed ineligible, mearly hours after the reverse was determined on the show.

Rumors have swirled for weeks about Pacitti being close friends with some 19 Entertainment (the production company behind Idol) and now TMZ has learned that was the factor of her shocking dismissal for the mega hit show.

She was said to have been forced to exit and at first rejected the very notion of quitting sources told TMZ, to read the entire report click here. 

Pacitti, who was hired and then fired from the 20th anniversary production of Annie advanced to the top finalist group on last night's American Idol, joining her was former Wicked cast member Lambert. 

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

It is now 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.

 

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