Much has been said over the past few seasons regarding American Idol contestants with prior contracts, or prior experience.
This really has never bothered me. What HAS bothered me is contestants that have RELATIONSHIPS with American Idol staffers of E19 big wigs. Those two things are completely different. I think Experience is a great thing for American Idol. It makes for better shows.
I do not, however, think that because a contestant knows someone high up in the American Idol Machine, that it is right that they just get placed into the top 36, 24 or whatever. Jordin Sparks knowing Randy before Idol always bugged me.
The Star Magazine has now come out with some pretty heavy allegations about Joanna Pacitti. (Now, I personally feel that Joanna is the strongest female that AI has in it’s top 36, and I liked her very much) However, these allegations, if true, probably are the main reason why we haven’t seen Joanna in Hollywood. They are trying to show that she is not a favorite – or even a plant. Here’s the article. Decide for yourselves. If this is true, did AI go too far?
Exclusive: American Idol’s Biggest Scandal Ever
In the Feb.16 issue of Star — on sale now — we report that the Season 8 contestant is no newcomer to the business, having released a major label album in 2006, starred in a MTV documentary, opened for Sheryl Crow and having her songs featured in movies and TV shows, including The Hills. But that’s nothing compared to her connection to two executives at the L.A. offices of 19 Entertainment — the company that produces Idol.
An insider tells Star that Michelle Young and Roger Widynowski have very personal connections to the Idol hopeful, all of which we detail in our can’t miss story. How personal? Well, Joanna has referred to Michelle as her “manager” and “best friend,” and credited Roger with “helping me get where I am today.” Plus, the three of them even lived in the same L.A. apartment complex for several years.
Having two ins with Idol’s production company could give the 24-year-old wannabe star — seen as a shoo-in for the final 36 — an advantage that the rest of the contestants don’t have.
“It really seems unfair,” an insider tells Star.
Link: http://www.starmagazine.com/american_idol_scandal_joanna_pacitti/news/15192
So, IF (and that is a BIG IF) this is true,, did AI go too far? Remember, Joanna should NOT be blamed, she’s as much a pawn as we are in this game.
I do wish they’d at least have a full disclosure clause if they won’t exclude for prior relationships. I know exclusion could be difficult because many at AI/ 19E have been in and around the business a while.
If they can disclose that these people have nothing to do with selection at any stage, and would not have anything to do with her song selection or production value of her performances I think it would be okay. They could learn a lot from Obama. Transparency goes a long way…and might even give them more control of the message than they realize.
Hi Erinn! I totally agree!
They haven’t showed much of her in the hopes of quieting down the controversy, you know, figuring oh, once they get her on the show, there’s nothing anyone can do about it.
And she just didn’t seem too worried about her fate after that horrific performance.
If they wonder why people aren’t watching this show anymore, this is one of the big reasons. Of course TV / Reality TV is supposed to be fake. However, at least add some credibility. A little goes a long way.
i love joanna pacitti. her song let it slide is my favorite song ever. i listen to it when i run and dance to it. i dont care if she knows these people shes amazing and is definately going to win. i hope. so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote for her. lots of love