Felicia Barton
Felicia Barton, 26, will be replacing Joanna Pacitti in American Idol‘s Top 36, after Pacitti was booted from the competition. Pacitti was disqualified after being told on Wednesday night she would be returning for the next round.
“It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition,” FOX said in a statement released Wednesday night. “American Idol contestant Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36.”
Pacitti’s eligibility has been called into question since it was learned she had previous record deals, including the release of an album with Geffen Records, and the single “Let It Slide” with A&M Records, as well as close relationships with two executives of 19 Management, the production company behind Idol.
Pacitti lived in the same apartment building as 19’s Michelle Young and Roger Widynowski, even referring to the former exec as her “best friend.”
Both Barton and Pacitti audtioned in Louisville, KY. Barton lives in Virginia Beach with her husband and son.
View Joanna Pacitti’s “Let It Slide” video and Felicia Barton covering Alicia Keys’ “No One” below.