American Idol has announced:

“It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition.”

and

“Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the top 36.”

The Los Angeles Times reported that an unnamed source close to the show said Pacitti was bounced to “avoid the appearance of impropriety.” It was reported that Pacitti had some close personal relationships to some of the executives at 19 Management, one of he companies that helps produce the show and manages some of the winners.

Last year saw several finalists with music industry ties, several of whom had released albums, Pacitti drew fire early on thanks to her former deal with Geffen/A&M, which released her debut album, This Crazy Life, in 2006. Several of her songs have appeared on soundtracks, including “Bratz”, “Legally Blonde” and “First Daughter”.