American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has confirmed reports that contestant Joanna Pacitti was dropped from the competition because she had business relationships with two executives of the show's production company, 19 Entertainment.
Seacrest spoke to Fox News about Pacitti's shocking exit from the show, he commented that "The producers do the background checks right around the Hollywood round," Seacrest continued, "When they see something that stands out, they have to address it. And they saw something, and there was apparently some sort of a link that, somewhere along the line, could be construed as one that's close to the competition, and they didn't want to risk it."
The two executives were later identified as Michele Young and Roger Widynowski.
For the complete interview with Seacrest over at Fox News click here.
Pacitti was "determined to be ineligible to continue in the competition" a statement from the Fox Network said in the early morning hours of Thursday February 12th, 2009.
She has been replaced by Felicia Barton, 26, of Virginia Beach.
Fox has not released any official information on her exit.
Rumors had swirled for weeks about Pacitti being close friends with someone at 19 Entertainment (the production company behind Idol) and last week celebrity gossip site TMZ reported that was the main factor of her shocking dismissal from 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.
Pacitti, who was hired and then fired from the 20th anniversary production of Annie advanced to the top finalist group on Wednesday night's American Idol, joining her was former Wicked cast member Lambert. The next morning she was let go from the program.
On 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.
