Antonella Barba, American Idols Newest Scandal

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By Laura Tucker


Photo Courtesy of MSNBC Media
Photo Courtesy of MSNBC Media

Antonella Barba has really gotten herself in a hole now. She was an early favorite, with everyone seeing her as the better of the "best friends." Yet, things have gone steadily downhill after that, as many people now, for a few different reasons, are just wishing she would go.

The first reason many started to call for her ouster, is because of the treatment of Baylie Brown. Baylie teamed up with Antonella and her best friend Amanda for the group performance round in Hollywood. It didn't go so well for Baylie, as first she waited while the best friends argued over the song, and once they got going and decided on a song, she couldn't seem to remember her lyrics. The following day she asked Amanda for help, and when Amanda helped, it screwed up her performance. When Baylie was cut, she blamed the other girls, saying she was the one that had worked the hardest. She wasn't the only one who had a diva attitude going on, as Amanda and Antonella did as well, saying they didn't spend their time flirting with boys, even though they did, and that God likes good people, and that's why they were still there.

This was when the tide changed for the worst for Antonella. In her favor, however, she made the next cut, while her best friend, Amanda, didn't. Antonella realized as she was celebrating, that her best friend didn't make the cut, but it didn't seem to bother her too much, as she said she knew regardless, that Amanda would be happy for her. To contrast this, Sanjaya Malakar realized that while he made it, his sister didn't. Yet, instead of celebrating, he ran downstairs to console his sister. Perhaps blood really is thicker than water.

Antonella made it to final 24, and many were already hoping she wouldn't make it, just based on her attitude change in Hollywood. While in their original auditions, Antonella acknowledged Amanda was the better singer, as she had more training, by the time she stepped onstage for her first performance on American Idol, she seemed to have forgotten the modesty that we enjoyed earlier from her, and boldly sang Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing. The song was way too big for her, as she hit clinkers all over the place with it. Many people were calling for her to be voted out, yet when the votes came in, it was Nicole Tranquillo and Amy Krebs leaving instead.

Things got even worse for Antonella during the following week. Pictures surfaced on the web of her that left little to the imagination. There were pictures of her posing topless on a beach with several other girls and also, oddly, a picture of her on the toilet. In addition, there are some picture that are being shown of her participating in a sex act. Now people are all abuzz over whether she should be removed from the show, based on these pictures.

People have been removed from the show for less, that's for sure. Yet, how badly this reflects on Antonella and American Idol can't be measured. Frenchie Davis was removed for posing topless, intimating there was more going on in the photograph, yet using the earnings to get through college. Everyone has an opinion on which is worse, Frenchie's photos or Antonella's. Another contestant was removed after initially getting invited to Hollywood this season, yet the only reason that can be found is a misdemeanor drug charge. The Brittenum twins were uninvited last year after being charged with crimes in another state.

Antonella's best friend has now come out and said the sex act pictures were not Antonella. Is she to be believed? The person who said she remained in the competition because God likes good people, and spent half the time flirting with the guys, then came back and blamed it on someone else? Does it even matter? Here's the thing, sure, everyone is entitled to have a little fun. But it's a problem that follows many celebrities and politicians around. If you plan on being in the public eye, don't do something you'll regret later. It's as simple as that. And if you do it anyway, have the cajones to admit that you did it and were just having fun, and leave it at that.

Surprising many, American Idol ignored the problem and left Antonella in the competition. Perhaps they heard how badly she was going to do the following week in the competition, and thought she'd be removed naturally in the voting process. But most likely, the reason she was left in, is that it's making people tune into the show. American Idol is about viewers, votes, and record sales. The more excitement raised over the show, the better.

If Antonella was a good performer, then perhaps everything else could be overlooked. Yet, this week she came out and sang a Celine Dion song. Certainly, if an Aerosmith song is too big for you, than a Celine Dion song will be as well. It sounded terrible, and making matters worse, when she was panned by Simon Cowell, she put herself in the same league as Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, saying Simon was wrong about her, so maybe he is about Antonella as well. Jennifer Hudson at least hit the notes and stayed on pitch, so to compare herself to someone of that caliber is unfathomable.

On results night, no one was more surprised than Antonella, when she stayed, and Leslie Hunt and Alaina Alexander left. Antonella was so sure she was leaving, she spent the whole time pouting. The question becomes, when does it all become enough for people to stop voting for her. She's getting votes for some reason, and most likely it's because she's standing out one way or another, unlike the other four ladies that have left.

I think it would be a shame if she made final 12. Not because of the pictures, but because of her lack of talent and attitude. If she had extreme off-the-wall talent, many other things could be overlooked. Until then, though, every mark against her becomes that much worse. American Idol is a singing competition, and it's also a popularity contest, whether the show wants to admit it or not. American Idol is forcing the public to decide who should be more popular, a woman with lesser talent, a 'tude and several skeletons hiding out in her closet, or other women that have much more talent, but don't know how to stand out in a crowd, whether it's from personal choices away from the show or with their personalities.

For more on American Idol, Reality Shack and LauraBelle's Blog

For more information on American Idol and Antonella Barba, see SirLinksalot: American Idol and SirLinksalot: Antonella Barba

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Brad  says:
2 years ago

Baylie teamed up with Antonella and her best friend Amanda for the group performance round in Hollywood. It didn't go so well for *Kaylie* Typo LOL

Laura Tucker profile image

Laura Tucker  says:
2 years ago

Fixed it. Thanks Brad. I keep typing her as Kaylie, and I'm not sure why.

Jimmy  says:
2 years ago

I think Antonella's going into the top 12 for a variety of reasons. First, she has a loyal fanbase who support her. Second, there are those who will support her because of her looks. Third is the VFTW crowd, who just want to "stick it" to American Idol and vote for a "villain." Fourth is the "sympathy" factor; that Antonella is seen as a victim of a vindictive person who released private pictures of her to embarrass her.

Laura Tucker profile image

Laura Tucker  says:
2 years ago

I don't give any credit at all to "that website", as people have been making it further in Idol than they should, well before that website came along in season 4. Ever noticed how many times they change their picks, meaning their picks get voted off, then they have to pick someone else? Either way, Antonella won't won. She'll get way further than she deserves, but she won't win. They only question becomes how long we are forced to put up with her.

Diane  says:
2 years ago

What a shame that a girl with her morals and pompous attitude is contending to be, literally, an "American idol!" What is our country coming to?

wrkstomuch  says:
2 years ago

I think Antonella should be kicked off. what goes around comes around . Antonella and her best friend were horrible to Baylie Brown who ought to be on the show.

Jackie  says:
2 years ago

Anttie as we call her at school is totally awesome. She sings like a canary and has the looks of a goddess. All you people are obviously extremely jealous of Anttie and need to let it go. She will go far because of her total talent and great sense of humor and humility.

Jen  says:
2 years ago

Antonella is awesome

Junkyard Willie  says:
2 years ago

Yet another woman who is intimidated by and jealous of Antonella. Get over it. This is the world we live in. It's driven by sexy chicks who flaunt it. Hike up your skirt and you too can hopefully get some attention.

Laura Tucker profile image

Laura Tucker  says:
2 years ago

As a 42-year-old wife and mother of two, I'm hardly intimidated by Antonella Barba. The fact remains, though, that she's a bad singer with a bad 'tude. No amount of short skirts are going to help her with that. Besides, the dress she's wearing in this picture makes her look like Jan Brady. Thanks for commenting and giving me that attention you think I am lacking.

bigsampson  says:
2 years ago

lol u guys suck .. american idol is lame...ive seen better performers on the santa monica strip...a couple are good but who cares...only one person from that show did anything with there career..basically cause the show creators dont care about artistic things...they want money....these people just sing songs that have been played a thousand times....they should stop making this show aor at least call it what it is(THE WORLDS WORST EXPLOITED HACKS(not the judges , but ya they all suck to) CAUGHT ON FILM)

P.S. FANTASIA SUX......YA GREAT STORY BUT THE DUMB ASS COULDNT READ LOL...I MEAN U LIVE IN AMERICA AND U COULDNT READ.....LAME

Tim  says:
2 years ago

Yeah, she looks like Jan Brady. A smoking hot Jan Brady!!!! The supposed "oral sex" photos are an obvious fake. Apparently with age doesn't come wisdom. And obviously yes, you are preoccupied with her (jealousy) thus your blog and continued responses.

PS. You still have it written Kaylie in paragraph 2.

Laura Tucker profile image

Laura Tucker  says:
2 years ago

Guess what, Sparky? I opt to correpond with people because I enjoy it, not out of jealousy. That's why out of all the things I write, I leave it all as an open forum and leave my either my email or a place to leave comments. Believe it or not, it's not the only thing I've ever written about American Idol, so it's not like I was sitting here stewing and had to write about it. This article was borne out of a conversaton I was having with others, with some people not understanding how she could be reamining in the competition, as they all believed there was no way someone with such questionable talent could have fans. The responses I have received here, including yours, have proved that I was correct. She does have fans, and most of them could care less what she was singing and how good she is. I've always said it's not called "America's Best Singer," but "American Idol" because they're looking for someone that America as a whole can idolize. You've proved the point here, as you're not a fan of her voice, but her body.

Tim  says:
2 years ago

The bottom line Ms. Tucker is that your headline is foolish. There is no scandal. The most sensational of the supposed "scandalous" photos turned out to be fake. The rest are teenage goofs.

And obviously Antonella can sing, she made it to the finals because the judges disagreed with your assessment. Your opinion doesn't really count for much does it?

Laura Tucker profile image

Laura Tucker  says:
2 years ago

Well, my opinion apparently holds much merit with you at least, as you've come here at least twice now to read what I think. I appreciate it.

Ruth  says:
2 years ago

Junkyard Willie says: "Yet another woman who is intimidated by and jealous of Antonella.  Get over it.  This is the world we live in. It's driven by sexy chicks who flaunt it.  Hike up your skirt and you too can hopefully get some attention."Yeah, not really. No thanks. I don't live in your porn-obsessed world of objectified women. I am a beautiful woman WITHOUT showing my ass, and I have a successful career WITHOUT being being an over-sexualized ho.Not to mention that not every woman who has an opinion about an ethical matter pertaining to women in the public spectrum is automatically "jealous." That's the most ridiculous thing I've heard all day. You are the one who needs to get over it. Don't be such a stereotypical fool.

Tim  says:
2 years ago

Ruth says: "not every woman who has an opinion about an ethical matter pertaining to women in the public spectrum is automatically "jealous." "

And they say denial ain't just a river in Egypt.

Note to Laura: Try the soft focus setting on your photoshop software. ;)

Panndyra  says:
2 years ago

As usual, I find Laura's articles entertaining, engaging and spot on. "Anttie" may be a hottie, but she's clearly not the world's best singer. Too bad that some better singers are getting voted off while she gets to survive yet another week. Of course, anyone who thought American Idol was "just a singing competition" was wrong.

Tim  says:
2 years ago

Nobody on American Idol can sing. It's a celebration of mediocrity. And purely a popularity contest that turns into a team sport for the audience. Other than Kelly Clarkson, who sings prewritten and formulated pop songs, nobody has had real success. Certainly none will ever be "legends". I don't care how money "country" grammy awards someone gets. It doesn't amount to anything. Ask Alabama. And "dime a dozen" girl from AI season three did NOT win an oscar for singing. She won it for supporting actress which was total BS anyway. If you saw the movie, you know it sucked and Jennifer Hudson was nothing special. This was academy voters pretending to be politically correct and nothing more.

Laura Tucker profile image

Laura Tucker  says:
2 years ago

Thank you to Ruth, and my old friend Panndyra. I'm not quite sure how the continued personal attacks are proving that Antonella deserves to remain in the competition.

Princessbiscotti  says:
2 years ago

I've been watching AI since the show first aired, and I agree some talented people have won, and some talented have been booted allowing the most ridiculous people (aka talentless fools) to win a title, that is suppose to show AMERICAN TALENT. By reading most of the crap surrounding this particular girl, Ive been truly amazed. She is beautiful, she has a good voice, but in this competician a good voice should not be good enough. A stellar, amazing, projective voice, that is free flowing, beautiful and highly sellable is the voice you need. Antonella does not posses this voice. Right now she's eyecandy and a looking at her pictures (being that I am a photojournalist) the lewd sex act one is her, and the topless ones, the toliet (ew) one (who on this earth needs a pic of themselves pissing, i dont know), drinking underage (which we totally got Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan pictures of them doing it too, and being harrased for it, why not Antonella?) and the close sexy poses with other girls. Those are things college age girls do, but if you want to be some girls (and face it alot of young girls 10-20 watch and vote ) idol, you cant act like that or do those things. Alot of people are turned off by her, and as a parent of a young girl, who has her favorites on the show as well (Jordin and Ms Doolittle ;)) I wouldnt ever want her to get online and see her IDOL taking a piss or sucking cock. What is that "catholic moral" teaching Ms Barba in school anyway? Learn from the past worshiped "Idols" , dont do shit if you dont want it to catch up with later. And if your talented, thats great, be talented, but dont ever for a second think that because you are pretty that entitiles you to something, because it doesnt. Antonella, youre talented, in your own way (deep throating is a talent ask jenna jameson & brianna banks), but not talented enough to stay and win this title. 

Laura Tucker profile image

Laura Tucker  says:
2 years ago

I agree, Princess. In this competition, you need to be different, and need to have a performance that makes us sit up and wow. Just "good" isn't enough. There's no denying Antonella was good enough to make the 24, but each week that goes buy, I think her talent becomes more and more questionable for that level. Each year people make it further than they should, so it's not anything new, but what makes this time even more notable is the pictures and her 'tude. It's like taking Brenna Gethers' 'tude and Kevin Covais' talent level, and adding in the pictures on top of it. Covais, BTW, will be in an upcoming film soon. A college buddy thing.

Brian  says:
2 years ago

I have thought and still think that the American Idol process is flawed. The American audiance cannot usually be trusted. We need only to look at the disastor that was season one of Big Brother to see that Americans prefer judged or more personalized competitions. A show like Grease fixes this problem. Let America pick the winner, or let america pick the bottom, but leave the ultimate decision in the hands of the judges.

Tim - Woah buddy, feeling a little angry lately? A good measure of maturity tends to lie with people who don't insult others behind a mask of anonymity, or at least that's what I've found.

Laura Tucker profile image

Laura Tucker  says:
2 years ago

Admittedly, it's flawed, but I don't think Fox will ever do anything to change the process, as they like the fact that we all sit around after a show and discuss that we don't agree with the outcome. And even with DWTS, you're only allowed to vote one time each, and the judges thoughts carry half the weight of the total votes, yet still people are upset about the outcome. I'm not sure if there's a perfect enough system.

Julio  says:
2 years ago

Did it ever cross anyone's mind that Antonella can sing just as good as Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson or Madonna. All of which are bigger than any American Idol winner will ever be. A celebrity has to have the "it" factor in addition to singing ability. You can fawn about Melissa and Lakisha all you want. (And really you're just ass kissing like the judges - we get it, you're not racist) But just like Mandisa from last year, ultimately they're just doo-wop background singers who impersonate Aretha every week. But when is the last time Aretha Franklin had a top 40 hit? Can these girls sing something modern already? And screaming like a baptist gospel singer does not equal marketiblity. They already tried that route with Fantasia and Ruben and it didn't work.

That being said, I'm just sorry the judges chose Antonella and not Bailey Brown. :(

Now she was hot!!

Ralph Deeds profile image

Ralph Deeds  says:
2 years ago

Reaping the fruits of American Idol at DePauw. http://hubpages.com/hub/DePauw_University_Evicts_S

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