Felicia Barton Replaces Joanna Pacitti on American Idol

Burning question: Why was Felicia Barton picked when Joanna Pacitti was axed?

A bit of a mystery has emerged on the first night of "American Idol's" season proper.

Just as the Green Mile episode was put to bed today, a contestant has gone missing: Joanna Pacitti, who has been considered one of the favorites because of her previous singing experience.

Felicia Barton, 26, will be replacing Joanna Pacitti in American Idol’s Top 36, after Pacitti was booted from the competition. Pacitti was disqualified after being told on Wednesday night she would be returning for the next round.

“It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition,” FOX said in a statement released Wednesday night. “American Idol contestant Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36.”

Pacitti’s eligibility has been called into question since it was learned she had previous record deals, including the release of an album with Geffen Records, and the single “Let It Slide” with A&M Records, as well as close relationships with two executives of 19 Management, the production company behind Idol.

Pacitti lived in the same apartment building as 19’s Michelle Young and Roger Widynowski, even referring to the former exec as her “best friend.”

Both Barton and Pacitti audtioned in Louisville, KY. Barton lives in Virginia Beach with her husband and son.

The official Fox news release announcing the top 36 contestants lists female singers Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta, Anne Marie Boskovich, Arianna Asfar, Casey Carlson, Felicia Barton, Jackie Tohn, Jasmine Murray, Jeanine Vailes, Jesse Langseth, Kendall Beard, Lil Rounds, Megan Corkrey, Mishavonna Henson, Stevie Wright, Tatiana Del Toro, Kristen McNamara and Taylor Vaifanua.

And below the long list of names was this:

"[EDITOR'S NOTE: It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition. AMERICAN IDOL contestant Felicia Barton has replaced Ms. Pacitti as part of the Top 36.]"

That's right, no Joanna Pacitti, whom we saw make it through the Green Mile tonight. And the list includes Felicia Barton, who was seen being sent packing on the Green Mile episode.

A source close to the show now tells us that Pacitti was disqualified to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

In the last week, tabloids had been reporting on a private relationship between Pacitti and executives of 19 Management, one of the companies overseeing "Idol."

View Joanna Pacitti’s “Let It Slide” video below.