Joanna Pacitti’s life is like a fairy tale – a slightly crappy fairy tale with no magic that’s actually sort of boring.
But a fairy tale nonetheless. Joanna Pacitti starred on Broadway as a child, she’s sung songs for several terrible movies and she’s been romantically involved with one of the world’s least famous men. And now Joanna Pacitti is through to the next stage of American Idol.
And everyone hates her. Joanna Pacitti shouldn’t be on American Idol, they say, because she’s already a great singer. And we all know that American Idol is about terrible singers like Taylor Hicks.
American Idol is no stranger to controversy – like that time everyone thought that Paula Abdul was having it off with a contestant. Or that time that a Paula Abdul fan killed herself outside Paula Abdul’s house. Or that time that Paula Abdul smashed up her face on a dog. OK, we take it back. Paula Abdul is no stranger to controversy.
But get ready for that rarest thing – an American Idol controversy that’s got nothing to do with Paula Abdul whatsover. And it’s all down to a contestant named Joanna Pacitti.
Because American Idol is doing its best to be nice this year, we’re seeing fewer scenes of Simon Cowell heaping abuse onto obviously disabled people who’ll invariably take out their frustration by climbing a clocktower with a machinegun and taking potshots at strangers, and more about raw talent. And Joanna Pacitti – who was put through to the Hollywood round on Wednesday night – undoubtedly has raw talent.
The problem is, she’s probably got a little bit too much raw talent. Joanna Pacitti’s CV is bursting with achievements – she’s starred in a reality TV show and a documentary, she starred in Annie on Broadway when she was 11, she signed to A&M and released an album three years ago, she used to go out with some bloke from a TV show about dancing and she’s performed on the soundtracks of Legally Blonde and the Bratz movie.
And because of all this, American Idol fans are after Joanna Pacitti’s blood, as MSNBC reports:
A host of people posting on ?Idol?s? official forum suggested she should be disqualified because of her background and suggested she may have an advantage if she makes it to the public vote. ?The point is that because she is a ?semi-pro?? she already has a built in fan base and voting block. That skews the competition in her favor, especially in the early rounds,? poster Marcdamon wrote.
It’s an interesting point – at what point do you stop being undiscovered talent? Would American Idol let, say, the fat one from ‘N Sync audition? The truth is, probably not. Unless his wife had just died and they could make a sad two-minute segment full of drippy piano music and wobbly decade-old home video of him and his wife skipping around in a meadow together. Because then that son of a bitch would be in like a shot.
But Joanna Pacitti doesn’t even have a tragic backstory – all she’s got is a pile of former successes that some say give her an unfair advantage. Should she be disqualified from American Idol? That’s for the show to decide.
But, still, at least this is one American Idol controversy that Paula Abdul has absolutely nothing to do with. Except that she briefly worked as an executive producer on the Bratz movie that Joanna Pacitti did the soundtrack to. But apart from that, absolutely nothing.
shygirl says
I think Idol should be about talent- so what if she has had her shot at fame and lost it, bottom line this girl can sing, she has personality, the looks, and an amazing voice. That is what idol is about- the whole package they are looking for an American Idol after all. Also who better to have win the season and have ppl look up to then someone who kept fighting for her dream and triumphed. I would definately want my kids to look up to her, more than the ditsy bikini girl! Also If she sucked at singing and audititioned ppl wouldn’t even be having an issue about it. The ones who have a hissy about her getting on Idol are the jealous ones. I am happy that she’s made it this far and I will definately be hoping she continues to “wow” us:) Good luck Joanna!
Mary Lou says
Is using the name Taylor Hicks the ONLY way you people can get hits for your blogs? Taylor Hicks is NOT a terrible singer, he is a damn fine singer. Probelm here is that the younger crowd doesn’t know REAL music. The younger crowd ONLY knows yelling, screaming and gyrating. Knock it off on bashing Taylor just to get a few hits to your blog, please.
Lyricalsoul says
There is a reason Joanna is on Idol. She has failed at every other opportunity given to her. And there have been many. Her family and anyone else who is telling her she DESERVES to be a star is doing her no favors. Instead of trying to acquire the “instant fame” she once derided and is now hypocritically seeking for herself, she ought to stop and reflect on exactly why she has squandered so many opportunities. And like countless musiscians out there playing the club circuit, she may serve herself better by earning her way into another record deal. And trying out on Idol is not working her butt off at all. It is a short cut back into a record deal accompanied by the wishful thinking that she will somehow make the public like her this time. The goal seems more about fame than being the best singer she can be. I am glad to see that the majority of the public agree that someone who has had this many opportunities should have the class to step aside for someone who can really run away with this golden opportunity and make something of it!
Eh? says
Genuine question – who’s Taylor Hicks? Sounds like an order to cloth country types.
Joan says
She does have talent but she is not the only one that does. I wish her and all of them good luck
As far as Taylor Hicks, well one would think those that write this stuff would tire of always bashing a fine man and great singer,
Beth says
Saying what’s-her-ass shouldn’t be on Idol is like saying people who’ve had a top-ten album in the past shouldn’t be allowed another because someone else deserves a chance. If she’s eligible by the rules and sings better than the others who tried out, then there’s no way to exclude her without changing the rules mid-season.
And honestly, if she had a lot of fans she wouldn’t need to be on the stupid show. Her detractors should just vote for someone else and shut up.
benny says
well, I think that Joanna should step to the side she had her shot at fame and failed there is a reason for that, she is not that good. Show some class Joanna, get out.
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Tony says
Taylor Hicks is not only a terrible singer, he’s a lousy tipper. He and his boyfriend ran up a $60 tab and left me a $2 tip. I hope he falls out of that ice cream cone and lands on his fat wallet.
Jen says
I think it’s stupid to even be talking about all this. It’s obvious that most people commenting have no actual knowledge of music or the music industry. First, I would like to say that Taylor Hicks is not marketable. Taylor Hicks got lucky because of people that don’t understand music voting for him. Honestly, let’s see how many of the morons that voted for him that actuall bought his cd. Second, this girl should not be allowed to be in the competition because like some have said before, she has had her chance. I don’t believe she has earned anything. I would be suspicious of giving someone a record deal when they have already had the opportunity and didn’t want to do the work to sustain a career in music. Just because you didn’t follow through the last time it doesn’t mean you should have another chance.
StuFan#1 says
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 You peeple likin Trailer Hicks or Failure Licks as I callhim need to chill up a bit just lighten !!!!!!!!!1 You cann’ot come on here and pus Stuart Heritage don,t you know who he is? He is the owner and probbly even more of this site and he will kick your asses or at least ban them and I four one willd be very happen when that happys because your askin for it. So no more of the disgreeing with Stuart becauser he is god well at lest on here and maybe even in real!!!!!!!!!!! [well that,s what I would think anywhy!!!!!!1] So stop with getting down on Stuart because he litrally can,t take it (getting down).