If we're being honest AI is very much a popularity contest; if it were all about finding the best singer Melinda Doolittle (whom I love) would have won all seven seasons in my opinion.

A little backstory on the Joanna Pacitti boot -- yes, I'm quoting TMZ and no, I'm not ashamed to do so. image

http://www.tmz.com/2009/0...n-idol-contestant-booted/

"American Idol" Contestant Booted

TMZ has learned Top 36 "American Idol" contestant Joanna Pacitti was forced to pull out from the show because of ties to an A.I. exec.

Last night Joanna made the cut, but this morning "American Idol's" website revealed this: "It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition."

So what the hell does that mean? Glad you asked: Joanna's former manger at Geffen (yeah, she had a record deal) is now a big wig at 19 Entertainment (which produces "Idol"). It's unclear how that went unnoticed for five months, but we're told producers demanded her resignation yesterday. We're told Joanna refused to do it.

"American Idol" told us "No comment." Felicia Barton took her spot.





And here's a pic of Felicia Barton; I have no memory of her:

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