Pretty, dark-haired Joanna Pacitti arrived at her audition to American Idol 8 with plenty of experience and her own loyal fan base. In fact, Pacitti was already known to one judge on the panel. Her beautiful voice won her a ticket to Hollywood - and perhaps, a chance to win the world’s biggest reality competition. Some Idol fans, however, say that Pacitti is already far too pro for the show whose purpose is to find undiscovered singers.

David Cook had his own album before he joined (and subsequently won) Idol. Kristy Lee Cook and Carly Smithson had both once been signed to record labels. But Joanna Pacitti’s resume is even more impressive - and fairly extensive.

At 11, Pacitti joined the cast of Annie on Broadway. A few years later, she was signed to A&M Records. In 2006, she released “This Crazy Life” while signed to Geffen Records. She’s had songs on the Legally Blonde and Bratz movie soundtracks. She’s dated and performed with Dancing With the Stars pro Mark Ballas. She was even on an episode of MTV’s reality series True Life. Britney Spears recorded a Joanna Pacitti song on her new album. Pacitti’s already had more of a musical career than some of those who have been on American Idol in seasons past.

And many Idol fans say Pacitti’s inclusion in the cast is pushing things a bit too far. Pacitti has already been in “the biz” for a number of years and had her shot at the sun more than once - so why shouldn’t she be shunted aside in favor of someone truly unknown and undiscovered? The controversy has sparked a number of comments on the Idol forums online.

With one week of audition episodes still remaining, the Joanna Pacitti controversy is still in stages of infancy. It’s not known yet whether or not she’ll make it past the grueling Hollywood Week; this would not be the first season where an early standout is dismissed early. The controversy may naturally become moot before it starts to ignite a real firestorm among fans.

But, FOX knows, it would be far better for ratings if it didn’t.

(You can find all the American Idol 8 posts here.)