Theater Stars on American Idol: Adam Lambert Makes Top 36; Joanna Pacitti Deemed Ineligible in Final Hour

Theater stars Adam Lambert and Joanna Pacitti were selected as semi-finalists for Season 8 of the popular reality star search American Idol during the February 11 pre-taped episode. However, shortly after the airing, Pacitti was "determined to be ineligible to continue in the competition" according to a statement and stripped of the opportunity. Lambert will go on to compete live against the other contestants in the top 36 on the Fox television ratings juggernaut starting next Tuesday, February 17.

Lambert appeared in the ensemble of the Los Angeles production of Wicked, where he also covered the role of Fiyero. Prior to joining Wicked, he was seen in The Ten Commandments at the Kodak Theatre, which also served as the location of American Idol's grueling "Hollywood Week."

In 1996, Pacitti came to national attention when she was chosen to play the title role in the 20th Anniversary Broadway revival of Annie at the age of 12. After appearing in 106 performances of the show during its pre-Broadway tour, Pacitti was fired from the production, never getting the chance to play the role on Broadway.

Pacitti has already had two record deals in her past, the first as a teenager on A&M Records and in 2006 on Geffen Records. Pacitti had already become a controversial Idol hopeful in the weeks leading up to the selection of the top 36. The February 16 issue of Star magazine revealed that she is close friends with two powerful figures on the show: Michelle Young, an executive at Idol production company 19 Entertainment and Roger Widynowski, the company's head of publicity.

There is no further information available as to why Pacitti is officially ineligible to compete. Past rules have stated that singers with current recording contracts are ineligible, but the show has featured singers with recording contracts in their past, like last season's Carly Smithson.

In addition to launching the music careers of many of its contestants and winners, American Idol has become an unexpected casting ground for Broadway. Past Idol personalities Fantasia, Taylor Hicks, Clay Aiken, Frenchie Davis, Tamyra Gray, Diana DeGarmo and Constantine Maroulis have all found success on the New York stage.