American Idol has thrown a ringer into the mix.
The show is no longer seen as a vehicle for discovering unknown talent, who walk in off the street (after standing in line for eight hours), but in fact re-launching careers.
Idol fansite, Vote for the Worst, has coined the term “plant” which outs professional singers during the audition process.
The latest plant, Joanna Pacitti, has Idol fans throwing their hands up in the air.
AI hopeful Pacitti first made national headlines in 1996 when, at the age of 12, she was fired from the cast of Annie before the show hit Broadway. Her parents sued and settled for an undisclosed sum, reports the New York Post.
Later, A&M signed her to a record contract, keeping her under development for five years. She cut songs for several movie soundtracks, including Legally Blonde and Bratz.
She released an album, This Crazy Life, that, according to Billboard's Jaded Insider, has sold 15,000 copies since its 2006 release. Pacitti "was a big priority" at the label, according to Billboard insiders.
To add salt to the wound, she also starred in a reality show, MTV's First Year, which followed her attempts at a music career.
Idol fans are voicing their opinion online:
"She will not be getting my votes," writes AIaddict, an Internet poster who captures the attitude of many Idol fanatics. "She has had her chance - or chances - to have a singing career. Let's stick to what the show is supposed to be about: taking truly talented unknowns and turning them into stars. I do not like the plants."
"You know that gift that an acquaintance of yours got but didn't want?" writes another Idol fan, Cec. "It sat there, and it sat there. Then [she] re-wrapped it, and presented it as new to an unsuspecting receiver, who didn't want it either. That's Pacitti. America: You've been re-gifted. Enjoy!"
In other AI news: David Archuleta, 17, is hitting the road.
The beloved runners-up has announced plans for his first solo tour, reports E! Online.
The 20-city road trip kicks off Feb. 24 in Virginia Beach, Va., followed by gigs at theaters and other midsize venues thru March 21.
Jive Records labelmate Lesley Roy will open for him.
In the meantime, fans who love Archuleta for more than his precocious voice can catch his guest appearance on Nickelodeon's iCarly on Feb. 7.
http://www.hollywood.com/news/American_Idol_Competition_Unfair/5386357
