After reaching the show's Top 36, Joanna Pacitti, an 'American Idol' contestant has been disqualified, with Fox TV refusing to give any reason, apart from saying 'ineligible to continue'. She has been replaced by Felicia Barton, 26, in the Top 36, after viewers were told Barton not failed to qualify as a sem-finalist.

However, a source familiar with the decision and on conditions of anonymity claims Pacitti was dropped to prevent any appearance of business impropriety and to avoid any suggestion of unfairness. Apparently, Pacitti once worked with an employee of 19 Entertainment, co-producer of 'American Idol' with FremantleMedia, including being on familiar terms with another employee of 19 Entertainment.

Pacitti, who released an album in 2006, selling over 16,000 copies, and who as a young girl starred in 'Annie' on Broadway, including singing the soundtrack for 'Legally Blonde' and Britney Spears tune 'Out From Under' from her latest album, was first performed as a 'Bratz' soundtrack by the 'American Idol' contestant. Her considerable experience has drawn complaints from viewers, who found her too polished for a show that purports to recognise raw talent and then turns them into stars.

Pacitti, 23, one of the 147-contestants to make it to the Top 36, was not immediately available for comment.