With some contestants clearly more experienced than others, it’s become a common pastime for American Idol fans to dismiss unpopular and overly professional contestants as “plants.” According to The Evil Beet, a rumored tell-all book from a former AI employee will suggest that, while the top 36 are chosen by the people, some who audition may be favored parties.
These people have some sort of deal worked out with the show in which they avoid the audition process that everyone else must go through and instead they are ushered to the front of the line to register to audition for the judges. When they do this they are actually allowed to skip 2-3 rounds of auditions and go directly to the judging. Most of these “plants” are ushered by reps from 19 Management and/or major producers of the show.
While still a rumor, this seems a lot more feasible than a pro like Joanna Pacitti, an LA resident with connections to 19 Management, flying to Louisville to wait in line with thousands of hopeless dreamers. The book will also reportedly allege that producers strong-arm contestants into singing unfamiliar songs. “The theory behind them doing is this is that they want to control the voting process and have certain contestants eliminated before others based on the voting at home. They feel that if contestants do a terrible job or sing a song that is not really known the public will vote them off.” If this book actually comes out, expect the reaction to be fierce. [via VFTW]
1997: Pacitti appears on the Rosie O’Donnell Show, Good Morning America, Leeza, Sally Jessy Raphael and other 
2003: Pacitti stars on MTV True Life: First Year, which chronicles her label’s grooming of its potential star. Her songs continue to appear on soundtracks and promotional CDs.
not she gets on the show (aw). After receiving her golden ticket, Pacitti performs at December’s annual “In CONCERT” benefit concert in Hollywood.