Controversial American Idol contestant Joanna Pacitti has been released from her duties with the show. Meaning, she’s been not-so-quietly kicked off America’s biggest reality competition.

“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.” This stunning statement appeared in the LA Times, just on the heels of the Top 36 being announced to the world (though Vote for the Worst came up with a full list - that turned out to be completely accurate - more than a week ago).

Pacitti has previously been signed to two labels and has some rather questionable connections to American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. When new information about Pacitti’s connection (should I say, pre-connection) to the show came to light, however, a choice had to be made. It is highly doubtful - highly doubtful - the powers that be behind Idol were unaware of Pacitti’s connections in the industry. They probably just figured the press wouldn’t find out about it all so very quickly - or, they did figure and figured the PR that would result would be well worth it. But I digress.

The past week saw plenty of headlines regarding Pacitti’s ties to 19 Management - a company who, by the way, has strong relations with American Idol. But now, Pacitti has been dismissed (according to sources, to “avoid the appearance of impropriety”) and Felicia Barton is in her place. We’ll see how that works out.

(You can find all the American Idol 8 posts here.)