Antonella Barba

'Idol' castoff Barba focused on singing career

2007-04-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

By Gary Strauss, USA TODAY
Antonella Barba, whose controversial, semi-nude Internet-posted photos overshadowed her singing talents and those of other American Idol contestants, said she hopes to embark on a professional singing career despite Thursday's elimination from the Fox talent show.
"I hoped to remain on the show because of my talent. I hope the photos didn't affect where I got in the competition," the 20-year-old New Jersey native said Friday afternoon, noting that she had been "exploited" by the photos that were posted without her permission. "I've learned to be careful who you trust," she said.

Photos showing Barba in various stages of undress — as well as fake photos of someone appearing to look like her engaging in sexual acts — surfaced on the Internet two weeks ago — but received no mention on the top-rated Idol.

Barba says she did feel pressured by publicity surrounding the photos, but that Idol producers "kept me focused on the competition and to ignore the other stuff."

"That's not what I'm about," she said. "All that other stuff was irrelevant. It was definitely difficult (to deal with), and it wasn't how I intended things to go. But I tried to block out as much as possible and focus on the competition. I'm here to sing."

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Idol | Antonella Barba
Barba, a student at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., says she plans to remain in Los Angeles for a week or two to see what offers might surface. She would prefer a singing career, particularly focusing on pop music, but says she would consider acting or modeling gigs.

"I want to strike while the iron's hot," Barba says. "I want to make a name for myself singing. I wasn't trying to promote myself in any way (through the photos)."

Barba says she has no plans — as rumored — to pose for Playboy magazine. "I was never approached," she said. Asked if she would pose, she said, "absolutely not."

"The pictures that actually are of me are very personal," Barba says. "That is not how I intended to portray myself nor do I intend to portray myself in the future. That was personal, private and not for the public."

Dru Libby, a public relations rep for Idol, blocked reporters from asking Barba several questions. "She was almost in tears after the (30-minute media session)," Libby said. "You could tell she was wearing down. She was getting that lump in her throat where she was breaking down. After six questions...honestly, she couldn't take it anymore."

Posted 25d ago
Updated 22d ago

http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-03-09-barba-interview_N.htm

'American Idol' flap: Barba vs. Frenchie

2007-04-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

By Lynn Elber, AP Television Writer
LOS ANGELES — Frenchie Davis, dumped by "American Idol" in 2003 for lingerie shots posted on a Web site, moved on to Broadway success and thought she had buried a humiliating chapter of her young life.
That changed in the last few days after contestant Antonella Barba was allowed to stay on the top-rated Fox series despite the emergence of racy online photos that purport to be of Barba, but with no verification.

The first big controversy of the show's sixth season swelled Tuesday when fans and a civil-rights activist rallied to Davis' side, saying she was the victim of unfair and potentially biased treatment. Davis is black; Barba is white.

"We object to having one rule for black contestants and a different rule for white contestants who exhibit the same behavior," said Najee Ali, community activist and founder of Project Islamic H.O.P.E.

Davis said she is bewildered over what's happened with Barba, 20, of Point Pleasant, N.J.

"I don't necessarily think that (it's racism), but I can certainly look at this and understand why people would draw that conclusion," Davis said Tuesday from New York, hours before going on stage in the musical "Rent."

"I'm not bashing 'Idol' or Antonella. She's a beautiful girl and she's young. I think it's great that she didn't have to go through what I went through," said Davis, 27, who suggested that the show's producers might have learned from how they treated her.

Davis would welcome a public apology from them as "a great start." But she said she is owed more for "the manner in which I was humiliated and the manner in which Antonella was defended and protected by the same people who humiliated me."

"Now they need to come to the table and see what we can do to make up" for her treatment, Davis said. She declined to say if she would seek a financial settlement or a record contract or other deal.

Belinda Foster, Davis' manager, took part in a small protest Tuesday with Ali outside the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles where "American Idol" tapes. She said there are stark differences in the treatment of the two contestants.

Foster noted the sympathetic comments of "American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe, who was quoted on Entertainment Weekly's Web site recently saying he was aware of the photos associated with Barba, but adding: "It's sad, isn't it, that your best friends are the ones that come forward with information that will go to Smoking Gun or put your photographs on the Web?"

Fox and the producers have declined further comment on Barba, who was to perform again Wednesday as the contestants are narrowed down this week to the 12 finalists. All the singers, including Barba, have been unavailable for interviews.

A source close to the show, who asked not to be identified because of the lack of authorization to comment publicly, said Fox and the producers believe seminude photos of Barba were posted without her consent and that racier shots, showing a sex act, were of a woman other than Barba.

Whether Barba posted any photos or allowed them to be posted is immaterial, Ali said.

"'American Idol' has first and foremost proclaimed it is a family show. ... No matter who made the photos public, it still speaks to her moral character and integrity, and certainly her silence speaks for itself," he said.

A fan group lead by Chris Tian, a singer-songwriter in Portsmouth, N.H., is calling on Fox to give Davis another shot at competing on "Idol."

Although she's wonderful in "Rent," Tian said, "a lot of Broadway artists don't get record deals. This could open up the path for her big record deal and big break."

The series has rarely managed a quiet year, with past issues ranging from voter complaints over overloaded phone systems to a contestant's allegation of an affair with judge Paula Abdul, which she denied.

The big-voiced Davis, on the verge of being voted a finalist by viewers in the year in which Ruben Studdard won, said she was honest with producers about posing for lingerie photos at age 19, five years before going on "American Idol."

In a statement Tuesday, Fox said, "We have never discussed the specifics of why Ms. Davis was eliminated, nor will we now."

The network said it had "no desire to revisit history and sully the reputation of Ms. Davis. She was removed from the show over four years ago and has gone on to a successful performing career."

That achievement has been a salve, of sorts, for Davis.

"I don't feel anything about the show. I haven't watched it. When 'American Idol' comes on at 8 o'clock at night, I'm on stage," Davis said.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/2007-03-06-1630766560_x.htm

'Idol' final follies: A history of mysteries

2007-04-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

By Ken Barnes, USA TODAY
Antonella Barba and Sanjaya Malakar have no business remaining on American Idol (Fox, tonight, 8 ET/PT) —that's the cry of outraged fans and bloggers who contend that Barba and Malakar have established their lack of vocal ability compared with other contestants, including some who left before them.
The gap is between fans who (perhaps idealistically) think Idol is a singing contest and vocal talent is all that should matter, and the voters who clearly take other factors — looks, back story, tabloid notoriety— into consideration.

'IDOL' CHATTER: Who do you consider the biggest 'Idol' enigma?

But it's nothing new. Every year since Idol premiered in 2002, the finals have had singers whose presence outraged purists. Here's a not-so-fond season-by-season look back:

Season 1

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Idol | American Idol | American Idol: The Search For A Superstar | Scott Savol | Jasmine Trias | Antonella Barba | Jessica Sierra | Sanjaya Malakar | Kevin Covais
Idol's first season established the template for moderately talented and forgettable finalists (anyone remember A.J. Gil? EJay Day?), but two stood out.

Nikki McKibbin (third place, behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini) was the original poster girl for underqualified overachiever, defeating talented Tamyra Gray thanks to an unconvincing "rock chick" image and single motherhood.

Seventh-place Ryan Starr sang poorly, but her brassy persona and eye-candy appeal led to a subsequent appearance on The Surreal Life. A possible Antonella career path?

Season 2

The sophomore season was less offensive to vocal purists. Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, both good singers, dominated, and finalists such as Trenyce, Rickey Smith and Corey Clark were irritating because of personality traits rather than vocal deficiencies. Still, Kimberly Caldwell (7th) was the year's Ryan Starr — all attitude, no voice, perfect qualifications for her subsequentcareer as a TV Guide Channel host.

Carmen Rasmusen (6th)was a dry run for Carrie Underwood's country success, except without the good singing part, and Julia DeMato (10th) owed her presence to the ton of airtime she got for her squabbles with audition groupmates.

Season 3

The third season is generally regarded by aficionados as Idol's worst year, as symbolized by the third-place finish of Jasmine Trias, Hawaii's sweetheart. Never has anyone gotten so far on such fragile vocal underpinnings. The 50th state's other sweetheart, Camile Velasco (9th), had even less ability to stay on pitch.

Added detractions: John Stevens (6th), the "teenage lounge swinger" who foundered woefully outside his musical comfort zone, yet finished one place ahead of Jennifer Hudson; Jon Peter Lewis (8th), who survived mainly on puppy-dog cuteness; and Matthew Rogers (11th), who projected a sunny likability unaccompanied by discernible vocal ability.

Season 4

The fourth year boasted improved quality overall, but the exceptions were truly exceptional.

Scott Savol (5th) made up for wavering pitch with a sullen demeanor, inexplicable overconfidence and a less-than-descriptive nickname ("Scotty the Body"), yet he achieved one of Idol's most baffling high finishes. Mikalah Gordon (11th) cackled like a mini-Fran Drescher (on whose short-lived TV series Living With Fran Gordon also guested) and pretty much sang like one, too. And then there was blond, bland Jessica Sierra (10th), whom voters may have confused with Jessica Simpson.

Season 5

Last year, voters seemed to finally get their act together. Although you could argue (and many did) the vocal merits of Kellie Pickler, Ace Young or Bucky Covington, the only blatantly marginal talent to make the finals was Kevin Covais (11th). And although "Chicken Little" ruffled many feathers by making the finals, he failed to win the top 10 placing that would have put him on the annual summer tour.

So if Antonella and Sanjaya manage to make the top 12, it's an injustice to more talented singers who fell by the wayside first, but look on the bright side: Things have been a lot worse.

Posted 28d ago
http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-03-05-idol-enigmas_N.htm

Four more cut loose from 'American Idol'

2007-04-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

By ERIN CARLSON, Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK — "American Idol" viewers squashed the dreams of four more aspiring singers Thursday night, but Antonella Barba, the focus of recent attention over some racy Internet photos, was not one of them.
Alaina Alexander, Leslie Hunt, Nicholas Pedro and A.J. Tabaldo were voted off in the phone ballotting, which drew about 32 million calls and text messages. Sixteen hopefuls remain of the 24 who began the elimination rounds.

Perhaps the night's biggest surprise was that 20-year-old Barba, of Point Pleasant, N.J., was staying. "I thought you were worse than last week," Simon Cowell said Wednesday after her less-than-stellar cover of Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me."

A close friend of Barba has denied she was the subject of some graphically sexual pictures purported to be of her that were posted on the Internet last week.

Another surprise: The early elimination of the talented Tabaldo, 22, who gave a rousing rendition of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good." Paula Abdul couldn't hide her disappointment.

"Truthfully, this is a singing competition," Abdul said Thursday. "I don't feel tonight reflects this."

Tabaldo's song choice could be bad luck for "Idol" contestants -- after all, Hunt also performed "Feeling Good" this week. The 24-year-old Chicago resident told Ryan Seacrest she "had a feeling" she might be going home.

An emotional Alexander, who sang the Dixie Chicks anthem "Not Ready To Make Nice," was too choked up to get through the song after Seacrest asked her to perform it one last time. (The "Idol" females were there to help the 24-year-old California girl along -- and give a group hug.)

Pedro's take on "Fever" wasn't enough to keep him on the Fox talent show. "It's about standing out in the crowd," said Cowell, who criticized the smoky-voiced singer, 25, for what he called a lack of charisma.

Thursday's show also featured a performance by "Idol" also-ran Kellie Pickler, who crooned "I Wonder," a song from her country album "Small Town Girl."

"American Idol," now running three times a week and again ruling the ratings, will return March 13 to a twice-weekly schedule.

The final 12 will be split evenly between men and women. So far this season, the show's sixth, men and women have been competing separately. The winner will be crowned during the finale in May.

___
http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/2007-03-02-2576093547_x.htm

'Idol' singer Barba nets instant fame

2007-04-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

By Bill Keveney, USA TODAY
American Idol semifinalist Antonella Barba is quickly becoming a literal poster girl for the volatile mix of instant fame and Internet technology.
Revealing photos, purportedly of the 20-year-old, have been online for nearly a week. But pictures Friday on multiple sites, supposedly of Barba in a sex act, have boosted her to the peak of Internet interest.

'IDOL' CHATTER: What do you think about the controversy?

Expect more of such situations, because digital images are hard to control and simple to spread around the world, says Steve Jones, who teaches new media at the University of Illinois at Chicago: "I'm surprised we haven't had incidents of this kind more regularly."

Digital technology also bypasses film processing, which can tempt some to take more revealing photos, and it means photos are easily altered.

In an interview with The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J., Barba's friend and fellow auditioner Amanda Coluccio verified the authenticity of some pictures, including one of Barba naked but strategically covered, which she said was part of a calendar made for Barba's boyfriend.

But she said she's certain the explicit photos are not of Barba. "The really bad ones aren't her. I've studied them. It's not her nose. She's never had (acrylic nail) tips in her life. She's the least slutty person I know."

Barba has been brought to tears over the controversy and is worried about what her parents think, Coluccio says. A call to the Barba home Monday was not returned, and Fox would not comment, but the singer remains in the competition.

Real or doctored, the images have made Barba one of the most popular search terms. For the week ending Saturday, Barba ranked third, behind Britney Spears and ahead of Idol, on Google's list of top 10 gainers. On Yahoo for the week ending Sunday, searches for Barba were 21/2 times greater than for Oscar honoree and former Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson.

Message board reaction is split over whether the uproar will help or hurt Barba, whose vocals have been criticized by Idol judges. Votefortheworst.com, which encourages votes for singers considered least deserving, recommends Barba.

Idol has had Internet controversy before. Season 2 semifinalist Frenchie Davis was bounced after it was learned she had appeared on an adult website to earn college money.

Young people especially might not consider the ramifications of embarrassing material online, whether on a job interview or Idol, says Amanda Lenhart of the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Although it's not known who distributed the photos, it's clear that once they are shared there is no control over how fast and far they go.

"What we're seeing is technologies developing before we have social rules to help guide how we use them," she says.

Posted 2/23/2007 9:58 PM ET
http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2007-02-23-idol-photos_x.htm

Antonella Barba Nude Photos: 'No Regrets' Says Fallen American Idol

2007-03-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Antonella Barba Nude Photos: 'No Regrets' Says Fallen American Idol
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Lynda Johnson
Mar 13, 2007

She has no regrets. She may now be known as the bad girl of American idol but 20-year old Antonella Barba says she has learned from her experience with the show, the internet photos and the intense media scrutiny she has been under for the last few weeks since some racy photos of her were leaked to the Internet. She appeared with Simon Cowell's sweetie Terri Seymour on the syndicated nightly entertainment news show 'Extra' last night and spilled.

Extra reports: While Antonella was only one of four to get the boot, her story is different as she was ousted amid a raging scandal over racy photos of her that had surfaced all over the internet.

And although the pictures have generated an unmatchable amount of buzz, Antonella maintains she’s upset by the leak of her personal memories. “These things weren’t meant for the public eye. They were private, they were personal and I wish I knew who did it,” Barba said. “I would really like to know.”

***

“In retrospect I’m embarrassed over a few things I did, but I don’t regret it because I learned from it. So at least I’m coming out having learned a lot,” she dished to Terri. And Antonella also revealed that she felt comforted when Mr. Mean, Simon Cowell, actually spoke up for her on the show.

“I feel for you because you’ve taken a lot of stick in the media,” Simon said during her last “Idol” appearance. “I definitely appreciated that when Simon said it,” Barba confessed.

As for where her “Idol” exposure will take her next, Antonella admitted, “This has opened so many doors and I don’t even know how many doors it’s opened yet.”

http://www.bloglines.com/myblogs

Antonella Barba speaks about her photos !

2007-03-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Extra’s Terri Seymour spoke to Antonella Barba who went on the record amid a raging scandal over the racy photos that surfaced of her on the internet. About the interest the pictures have generated, Barba said, “I don’t know if I’d call it amazing… these things weren’t meant for the public eye. They were private.”
As to who posted the photos on the internet, Barba declared, “They were personal and I wish I knew who did it… I’d really like to know.”

http://www.bloglines.com/myblogs

Antonella Barba Feels Exploited

2007-03-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

Antonella Barba Feels Exploited
Filed under: American Idol

American Idol" hopeful, Antonella Barba is saying that her experience on the talent show has taught her to be more selective when choosing those she allows in her inner circle. The contestant from New Jersey was the subject of public scrutiny when photos of her scantily clad surfaced on the Internet. According to the AP:

"These were photos of my personal life that got exploited without my consent," she said during a conference call Friday with reporters from across the country. "I've learned to be careful who you trust."
This reminds me. There's an ex-boyfriend I need to remember to be nice to...
"Right now, I'm going to stay in L.A. for a week or two," she said. "I want to see what I can do with this for a career. I want to strike while the iron is hot."
Something tells me that some CW show should be expecting the arrival of a slutty, mysterious new character.

http://www.bloglines.com/myblogs

Ousted "American Idol" contestant Antonella Barba says she has no regrets about being on the show

2007-03-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

Ousted "American Idol" contestant Antonella Barba says she has no regrets about being on the show

LOS ANGELES Is the Playboy Mansion the next stop for ousted "American Idol" contestant Antonella Barba?

Barba says she's hasn't been approached about stripping down for the men's magazine, and says even if she were -- she wouldn't do it. Though it sounded more like a soft no during a news conference.

But when a reporter pressed her about "never doing it" she appeared to backtrack, saying, "Right now I want to look at all the offers I get and sort out what's best for me right now."

She calls the racy photos of her making the rounds on the Internet "personal, private and not for the public eye." And she hopes the photos didn't affect how she fared in the competition, saying they're irrelevant to her singing.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://knva.com/Global/story.asp?S=6206668

Barba: ‘Exploited’ photos betrayed my trust

2007-03-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

Booted ‘Idol’ contestant to ‘strike while the iron is hot’ in her singing career

POINT PLEASANT, N.J. - Be careful who you trust.

That’s the advice from Antonella Barba, New Jersey’s “American Idol” contestant, a day after being voted off the show following two weeks of turbulence over racy photos posted on the Internet.

“These were photos of my personal life that got exploited without my consent,” she said during a conference call Friday with reporters from across the country. “I’ve learned to be careful who you trust.”

Barba was the subject of rampant Internet gossip regarding the photos. Publicists for the top-rated Fox show cut off reporters’ questions about the pictures during the conference call.

She did say, though, that the situation was distracting as she tried to prepare herself to sing during the past two weeks.

“It was difficult,” she said. “It wasn’t how I intended things to go. I tried to block it out as much as possible. I’m here to sing. All that other stuff was completely irrelevant.”

She said she heeded advice from her vocal coach to view the nervousness in her stomach as adrenaline that could power her performance. And, right before she went onto the stage, she said a little prayer.

Barba, 20, attended Roman Catholic grammar school in neighboring Point Pleasant Beach, and went to a Catholic high school in nearby Red Bank. She then enrolled in Catholic University in Washington, D.C., where she studied architecture.

She withdrew earlier this year to focus on the “Idol” competition, and has no plans to go back anytime soon.

“Right now, I’m going to stay in L.A. for a week or two,” she said. “I want to see what I can do with this for a career. I want to strike while the iron is hot.”

Barba, who played the violin as a youth and gave lessons to neighborhood children, said she would consider acting or modeling, but still wants a career in music above all else.

She said she will reject any prurient career offers that come her way. Nor, she added, would she pose nude, or in partial clothing, for any reason.

“That is not the way I want to present myself,” she said. “I keep getting told no publicity is bad publicity. Yes, it’s true my name is more well-known because of it. But I’m not known for the things I want to be known for. I’d rather present myself in a more classy way.”

Barba denied she had been approached about posing for Playboy magazine. But when pressed on whether she would definitively rule out a Playboy shoot, Barba replied: “Well, you know what? Right now, I want to look at all the offers that I get and sort out what’s best for me.”

Residents in Point Pleasant, a Jersey shore town of 18,000 about 60 miles north of Atlantic City, supported Barba when news of the photos threatened to overshadow her appearances on the show.

Signs sprouted around town wishing her well. By Friday morning, however, they were gone, replaced with messages advertising youth baseball sign-ups, and even the imminent arrival of spring.

But Mayor Martin Konkus said Point Pleasant plans to honor its newly famous resident. A mayoral proclamation is in the works, and Konkus plans to ask Barba to sing “God Bless America” at the Memorial Day parade. Barba said she’d be honored to do so.

“We are going to welcome her home with open arms,” Konkus said. “She’s not a bad person. She’s a good person that probably wishes she had used a little more discretion. But what you saw was nothing you won’t see on a Victoria’s Secret television ad.

“She comes home a little bit older and a lot wiser,” Konkus added.

Despite her turbulent time in the national spotlight, Barba has few regrets.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity I’ve been given,” she said. “All this embarrassment that has come with it, I still think it was worth it.”

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17543409/#storyContinued

Antonella Barba to Work for 'Girls Gone Wild?'

2007-03-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

The former "Idol" contestant who has caused controversy with some racy photos on the web, has been offered $250,000 to become a host for the infamous video company.
Her stint on American Idol is over, but New Jersey's Antonella Barba can walk on over to the wild side without skipping a beat.

Girls Gone Wild founder and CEO Joe Francis said in a news release Wednesday he is offering Barba $250,000 to become a host for the video company, which found its niche by catching college-age women baring their breasts on film.

"Antonella Barba is an unbelievably sexy girl who obviously knows how to have a good time," said Francis, whose company, Mantra Films Inc., is based in Los Angeles.

"Why are people being ridiculed and punished for being sexual? It's ridiculous."

Barba made her way to the final eight female contestants on this year's sixth edition of American Idol. But her notoriety has multiplied exponentially with the appearance of steamy photos of her on the Internet. Francis said he doesn't think Barba and celebrities such as Katie Rees, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears should be labeled bad girls.

"There's a little 'Girls Gone Wild' in every woman," said Francis, and this should be embraced as a positive, not a negative.

Copyright Yellowbrix 2006
http://www.kogo.com/pages/entertainment_headlines.html?feed=104665&article=1807119

Racy 'Idol' pics spark racism debate

2007-03-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Racy 'Idol' pics spark racism debate

Mar 07, 2007 06:55 AM
Lynn Elber
Associated press

LOS ANGELES – Frenchie Davis, dumped by "American Idol" in 2003 for lingerie shots posted on a website, moved on to Broadway success and thought she had buried a humiliating chapter of her young life.

That changed in the last few days, after contestant Antonella Barba was allowed to stay on the top-rated Fox series despite the emergence of racy online photos that purpo rt to be of Barba but with no verification.

The first big controversy of the show's sixth season swelled Tuesday when fans and a civil-rights activist rallied to Davis's side, saying she was the victim of unfair and potentially biased treatment. Davis is black; Barba is white.

"We object to having one rule for black contestants and a different rule for white contestants who exhibit the same behaviour," said Najee Ali, community activist and founder of Project Islamic H.O.P.E.

Davis said she is bewildered over what's happened with Barba, 20, of Point Pleasant, N.J.

"I don't necessarily think that (it's racism) but I can certainly look at this and understand why people would draw that conclusion," Davis said Tuesday from New York City, hours before going on stage in the musical "Rent."

"I'm not bashing `Idol' or Antonella. She's a beautiful girl and she's young."

"I think it's great that she didn't have to go through what I went through," said Davis, 27, who suggested the show's producers might have learned from how they treated her.

Davis would welcome a public apology from them as "a great start." But she said she is owed more for "the manner in which I was humiliated and the manner in which Antonella was defended and protected by the same people who humiliated me."

"Now they need to come to the table and see what we can do to make up" for her treatment, Davis said.

She declined to say if she would seek a financial settlement or a record contract or other deal.

Belinda Foster, Davis's manager, took part in a small protest Tuesday with Ali outside the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles where ``American Idol" tapes. She said there are stark differences in the treatment of the two contestants.

Foster noted the sympathetic comments of "American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe, who was quoted on Entertainment Weekly's website recently saying he was aware of the photos associated with Barba but adding: "It's sad, isn't it, that your best friends are the ones that come forward with information that will go to Smoking Gun or put your photographs on the Web?"

Fox and the producers have declined further comment on Barba, who was to perform again Wednesday as the contestants are narrowed down this week to the 12 finalists. All the singers, including Barba, have been unavailable for interviews.

A source close to the show, who asked not to be identified because of the lack of authorization to comment publicly, said Fox and the producers believe seminude photos of Barba were posted without her consent and racier shots, showing a sex act, were of a woman other than Barba.

Whether Barba posted any photos or allowed them to be posted is immaterial, Ali said.

"`American Idol' has first and foremost proclaimed it is a family show...No matter who made the photos public, it still speaks to her moral character and integrity and certainly her silence speaks for itself," he said.

A fan group lead by Chris Tian, a singer-songwriter in Portsmouth, N.H., is calling on Fox to give Davis another shot at competing on "Idol."

Although she's wonderful in "Rent," Tian said, "a lot of Broadway artists don't get record deals. This could open up the path for her big record deal and big break."

The series has rarely managed a quiet year, with past issues ranging from voter complaints over overloaded phone systems to a contestant's allegation of an affair with judge Paula Abdul, which she denied.

The big-voiced Davis, on the verge of being voted a finalist by viewers in the year in which Ruben Studdard won, said she was honest with producers about posing for lingerie photos at age 19, five years before going on "American Idol."

In a statement Tuesday, Fox said: "We have never discussed the specifics of why Ms. Davis was eliminated, nor will we now."

The network said it had "no desire to revisit history and sully the reputation of Ms. Davis. She was removed from the show over four years ago and has gone on to a successful performing career."

That achievement has been a salve, of sorts, for Davis.

"I don't feel anything about the show. I haven't watched it."

"When `American Idol' comes on at eight o'clock at night, I'm on stage," Davis said.

Antonella Barba Commentary: Booted American Idol Contestants, Hugh Hefner Speak Out

2007-03-07T05:39:00.000-08:00

Antonella Barba in Playboy? Based on the recent controvsery surrounding this American Idol singer, that wouldn’t be so shocking.

Laura Saltman of Access Hollywood was at the Playboy Mansion for the party celebrating the season three premiere of the E! channel’s The Girls Next Door and asked for the Playboy boss’s take on the racy photographs courtesy of this New Jersey native.

“She really looks sexy here,” Hugh Hefner said upon seeing the Barba photos.

Asked if he would consider making Antonella an offer to pose for Playboy should she be voted off Idol early, Hefner answered: “Very real possibility. Yes, absolutely.”

Elsewhere, the contestants that ere voted out of American Idol last week were asked about the pictures, as well.

Leslie Hunt, the 24-year-old Chicago native, said: “There’s certain hype that comes with her, and that’s not really something I understand. It doesn’t excite me that she has pictures like that. I mean, who doesn’t? Whatever, get over it. But I knew getting into this that it wasn’t just about singing.”

Alaina Alexander bombed out with the Dixie Chicks song “Not Ready to Make Nice,” but wasn’t afraid of any Antonella-type pictures getting her into trouble.

“No, I wasn’t worried,” Alaina said in response to a question about racy photos she may have. “It’s unfortunate when that happens, but you have to keep going. I didn’t really pay attention to the Internet or newspaper so I could stay focused, but I overheard people talking about it. Antonella’s strong and doing just fine and she’ll pull through.”

But what about the fellas? Are they surfing the Web, looking for Antonella Barba nude? And were the guys talking about what happened with her. AJ Tabaldo responded to the inquiries.

“There’s some sleazy people out there doing sleazy things and I feel bad for her, but she’s beautiful and she’s going to do well. But we tried to stay away from it.”

American Idol’s Bad Girl Antonella Barba

2007-03-07T05:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight begins the women’s portion of the singing competition we like to call American Idol. It’s not really a singing competition so much as it is a popularity contest with people who can sing, but who cares.

It’s fun, mindless and repetitive - just like television should be.

Season six’s controversy revolves around New Jersey girl Antonella Barba. Risque photos of Barba surfaced on the web shortly after it was announced she made the final 24 cut. The photos include Barba sitting on the toilet, flipping the bird, posing topless (hands covering her breasts) and engaging in underage drinking. Not exactly what a potential Idol wants floating around when her fate depends on the perception and votes of others.

Antonella, 20, first made her appearance on American Idol at the New York auditions with her best friend Amanda, who did not make it past Hollywood week. There was also some Hollywood week controversy regarding Antonella and Amanda’s contribution to the elimination of another contestant, Baylie Brown. Apparently Amanda, was more interested in flirting with boys than practicing with her group and when crunch time came, Baylie flubbed her lyrics despite her efforts to practice with her group. Baylie was cut, but not before Amanda made it through and stated the reason was because ”God likes good people.” But he apparently doesn’t like self-righteous whores, as Amanda was soon cut as well. Ha, to the ha, ha, ha.

Back to Antonella. If I remember correctly she has a nice voice, but can her breast size, looks and voice get her past, well, her past. While I am not entirely sure who posted these pics of Antonella, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was one her pals, as these pics are not the work of paparazzi, but rather close pals. I don’t know about you, but I only let very close friends take pics of me popping a squat on the crapper.

It may have been Amanda who leaked the pics. She sounds like a really “special” person. And when I say special, I mean someone who needs a my heel planted in their grill.

Now, all we can do is wait and see how it all plays out. I am wondering if Ryan Seacrest will treat us to some bathroom humor to lighten things up. Or, if that fails he can start a slap fight with Simon. You know those two like to talk makeup and fashion in the greenroom.

UPDATE: Antonella did the most horrible rock song ever, Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.” I don’t know why anyone would ever want to cover that song, as it sucked when they did it and every version since has sucked. But the good news according to Simon was: “You’re attractive.” The bad news: she blew it. She blew it and she blew it hard. She blew it like Paris with an 8-ball, a stiff wang and a full night a head of her. It was like the judges wanted her to suck and were relieved when she did. I will be unpleasantly surprised if she makes it through to next week. Being pretty should NEVER be enough to win AI. Just ask Fantasia.

www.glosslip.com

More Antonella Barba Nakedness

2007-03-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

More Antonella Barba Nakedness

The pictures keep flooding in like high grade coke in a Colombian poppy field, only this time we bring you Antonella Barba’s nude tits and vagina without obstruction, as well as proof that the photos we’ve collected over the past week of our naughty American Idol are indeed, 100% authentic. Here’s the story:

“Hey, don’t mention my name but my boyfriend goes to catholic university with antonella barba and is on the lax team with her ex boyfriend ( who she dumped right when she got to Hollywood) and when i saw these pics i called him and asked him if they were real and he said they def were… he saw them in person before and he also saw a naked calender that she made for him as a birthday present… which he said is getting leaked on the internet soon.”

Antonella Barba Posing Near A Dildo

2007-03-07T04:36:00.000-08:00

The Antonella Barba picture scandal continues, this time a vibrating dildo is displayed along with the possible occurrence of lesbian activity. A tipster by the name of Mike e-mailed me some photos of Antonella and her dorm pals in various states of excitement at the Catholic University, including posing next to a vibrating dildo, and looking like you just had a threesome with your best friend and her lover. I wouldn’t doubt it either, if you notice the poster on the back wall (click the top dildo photo) you can see that someone is a fan of Angelina Jolie’s breasts. Hugh Hefner really needs to coax her into doing some professional shoots! Thankfully we get to see more of Antonella as America once again called in enough votes to keep the dream alive. She proves to all of us that sometimes, you just got to take some naked pictures and post them on the internet. Hit the jump for the exclusive and uncensored pics!

The Antonella Saga Continues

2007-03-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

Never has there been an American Idol quite like Antonella Barba, as the past few weeks have unraveled revealing the naughty, sexy, and possible lesbian side to this Jersey girl. We know she gets drunk and likes to party, what college kid doesn’t? Sure it may not be legal, but I bet you were on your way to becoming an alcoholic before high school graduation ever came. What’s most promising here about Antonella’s exposure is the fact that she may be into girls…and yes, I do mean sexually.

We have acquired some new pictures from the naughty Antonella collection, sent in by a tipster known as “Mike.” (who previously provided the now popular dildo pic.) These photos have not been released yet, so remember where you saw them first. The most interesting of these shots include pics of Antonella with Adam Sandler and Peter Dante, in what looks to be a Hooters bar. This raises the question, was the sandman trying to get young Antonella drunk, only to coerce her home for a gangbang with the cast of Mr. Deeds? It would be quite the spectacle, but I’m hoping she has higher standards than that. In the remainder of these photos, we’re including the sexiest shots and have enhanced any area on Antonella that might be of greater interest to you, the readers who seek these debaucherous photos (thank me later). So click inside, and discover the continued hooker activity carried out by our friend Antonella.

Which American Idol Girls Will Make The Top Twelve Finalists?

2007-03-07T04:25:00.000-08:00

Lakisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle have both served up breakout performances that viewers will likely not forget. Barring a complete meltdown by the two, they should easily walk right into the top twelve.

Jordin Sparks, Stephanie Edwards, and Sabrina Sloan have also stood out as excellent singers, but will there be enough room for all three in the top twelve? Look for at least one (and maybe two) of them to not make the top twelve, which will create outrage among the press and American Idol viewers, because they all three deserve to make it based on talent.

Gina Glocksen should also make the top twelve based on talent, but she is not a lock. She will need to deliver another great performance in order to stick around. On the other hand, Antonella Barba doesn’t need a great performance to stick around. She benefits from the combined voting power of her true fans and the vote for the worst contingent which means she is likely top twelve bound.

Haley Scarnato is the American Idol girl at the most risk, but she has a chance. Being from a large state like Texas will likely help her in the viewer voting, and if she has a knockout performance, then she could pick up enough votes from the rest of America to stick around. Post your predictions for which six American Idol girls will make the top twelve below.

Reality TV Magazine is your source for American Idol news. For other great American Idol news, please also check out SirLinksALot: American Idol.

The Case Against Antonella Barba

2007-03-07T04:22:00.000-08:00

The Case Against Antonella Barba

Everybody seems to love Antonella Barba. She’s the darling of America. At the very least, she seems to be the Idol contestant that everyone is talking about these days. Why? Well, there’s one simply answer: Antonella Barba is hot.

But “hot” does not make the next American Idol. Here, we make the case that Antonella Barba should not be the 2007 American Idol winner. No, in our eyes, she shouldn’t even be in the competition any more.

1. Antonella Barba can’t take the heat

Anybody else notice that of all the top 24 contestants, Barba was the most flustered. Her pitch was way off the whole time, she was noticably nervous (nervousness itself isn’t a problem unless it hampers your ability to perform). Then, when she started getting nailed by Simon, she totally choked up and became pathetically defensive.

2. Is Antonella Barba a whore?

Well, maybe that’s a little strong. But take a look. First off, we have pictures of Antonella Barba Topless. That’t not so bad. But then we see pictures surface on the internet of Atonella Barba having naked sex. We had a post here at TV Crunch of one such picture that we were quickly forced to remove. In our opionion, the best collection of shocking nude Antonella Barba pictures, blow job, fountain, wet t-shirt and all can be found here. On top of that, there are numerous pictures around the net of Barba in provocative and seductive poses with other girls, drinking, and partying like she was Miss USA! The point of all this isn’t to be judgemental, but to simply expose the fact that Barba isn’t this innocent Jersey girl that she’s been trying to portray.

3. Antonella Barba can’t perform

She just isn’t that good at singing and performing. She’s rigid and tense. She doesn’t move around the stage well. As the judges pointed out last week, she picked a song that was too big for her voice. But what they failed to point out was that most songs will be too big for her voice.

Considering these 3 points, I fail to see how America can continue to embrace Antonella Barba for much longer. As the truth about her voice, her naked and raunchy adventures, and her generally poor performance under pressure gets exposed, America won’t be able to stand her any longer.

NJ town backs its "Idol" despite pictures

2007-03-06T22:49:00.000-08:00

NJ town backs its "Idol" despite pictures
By Jon Hurdle

POINT PLEASANT, New Jersey (Reuters) - She may be a brash careerist willing to use XXX-rated pictures for publicity, or just a Jersey girl trying to get ahead, but Antonella Barba is easily the most famous person from this small seashore town.

Barba, 20, a semi-finalist in the American Idol singing competition, scandalized and titillated the television show's estimated 33.5 million viewers when a series of risque photos were posted on the Internet.

Several pictures show a woman identified as Barba topless, and one shows a woman who looks like Barba performing oral sex on an unidentified man.

Ahead of this week's broadcast man.

Ahead of this week's broadcast of America's most popular television show, also shown in more than 100 countries, the citizens of Point Pleasant mostly say they believe Barba is the victim either of a joke gone wrong, or of jealous rivals or perhaps even a jilted ex-boyfriend.

"She was given an unfair rap," said Matt Purpuro, 47, owner of Quicky Discount Oil Change Lube and Filter in the center of town. "I don't see anything wrong with topless on the beach."

But Purpuro said his support for Barba would evaporate if it was really her in the photo performing the sex act.

Others said that while they accept it was Barba in the topless shots, they believe the raunchiest picture is a fake.

Scott Grogin, a spokesman for Fox, declined to comment on the pictures, and said Barba herself, like other contestants, would not be permitted to speak to the media until after she is eliminated or wins.

Fox's American Idol has previously disqualified singers over accusations of assault and child pornography. Barba is set to appear on the show again on Wednesday.

Across the street at Four Point Refrigeration, people were less charitable, accusing Barba of allowing the photos to be published because she wants a modeling career and cannot make the grade on her singing.

"She isn't getting anywhere on that voice," said Michele Wells, 27, a secretary at the heating and air conditioning company.

Wells's co-worker Chris Adams, 22, said, "I think she probably put those out there to get a modeling job."

But love her or loathe her, Antonella is a big deal in Point Pleasant, an overwhelmingly white town of about 20,000 some 45 miles south of New York City where serious crime is rare.

"Antonella, You Go Girl," says the board outside the fire house while owners of The Idle Hour bar, apparently unperturbed by the photo storm, put up a sign on Monday simply saying "Good Luck Antonella."

Outside the Super Stop & Shop supermarket, Allan Jones, 56, said Barba appeared to be doing just what some top models and actresses of the past had done to boost their careers, adding: "If she wants to do it, go ahead. It's a tough world."

Go, Antonella, Go: Barba Supported by Hometown

2007-03-06T22:43:00.000-08:00

POINT PLEASANT, New Jersey (Reuters) - She may be a brash careerist willing to use XXX-rated pictures for publicity, or just a Jersey girl trying to get ahead, but Antonella Barba is easily the most famous person from this small seashore town.

Barba, 20, a semi-finalist in the American Idol singing competition, scandalized and titillated the television show’s estimated 33.5 million viewers when a series of risque photos were posted on the Internet.

Ahead of this week’s broadcast of America’s most popular television show, also shown in more than 100 countries, the citizens of Point Pleasant mostly say they believe
Barba is the victim either of a joke gone wrong, or of jealous rivals or perhaps even a jilted ex-boyfriend.

“She was given an unfair rap,” said Matt Purpuro, 47, owner of Quicky Discount Oil Change Lube and Filter in the centre of town. “I don’t see anything wrong with topless on the beach.”

But Purpuro said his support for Barba would evaporate if it was really her in the photo performing the sex act. Others said that while they accept it was Barba in the topless shots, they believe the raunchiest picture is a fake.

Scott Grogin, a spokesman for FOX, declined to comment on the pictures, and said Barba herself, like other contestants, would not be permitted to speak to the media until after she is eliminated or wins.

American Idol has previously disqualified singers over accusations of assault and child pornography. Barba is set to appear on the show again on Wednesday.

Across the street at Four Point Refrigeration, people were less charitable, accusing Barba of allowing the photos to be published because she wants a modelling career and cannot make the grade on her singing.

“She isn’t getting anywhere on that voice,” said Michele Wells, 27, a secretary at the heating and air conditioning company.

Wells’s co-worker Chris Adams, 22, said, “I think she probably put those out there to get a modelling job.”

But love her or loathe her, Antonella is a big deal in Point Pleasant, an overwhelmingly white town of about 20,000 some 45 miles (72 km) south of New York City where serious crime is rare.

“Antonella, You Go Girl,” says the board outside the fire house while owners of The Idle Hour bar, apparently unperturbed by the photo storm, put up a sign on Monday simply saying “Good Luck Antonella.”

Outside the Super Stop & Shop supermarket, Allan Jones, 56, said Barba appeared to be doing just what some top models and actresses of the past had done to boost their careers, adding: “If she wants to do it, go ahead. It’s a tough world.”

Female Idols in a Bunch over Barba

2007-03-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

Female Idols in a Bunch over Barba
Posted Mar 6th 2007 2:47PM by TMZ Staff
Filed under: Gossip/Rumors, American Idol

Sources have revealed to TMZ that there's a feud a brewin' backstage at "American Idol."

According to our spy, some of the religious female contestants are none too fond of one Miss Antonella Barba, since racy photos of the off-key idol began popping up on the net.

No confrontation has erupted, but it's been downright chilly behind the scenes, with the idolettes now waiting to see if America decides to keep the photogenic Barba around for another week, heaven forbit !

When contacted, reps for "Idol" had no comment

'American Idol' Contestant Antonella Barba Bumps MySpace as New Number One Search Term With Web Users

2007-03-06T22:37:00.000-08:00

'American Idol' Contestant Antonella Barba Bumps MySpace as New Number One Search Term With Web Users

LYCOS, Inc. (www.lycos.com), a leading community destination for broadband entertainment content, today announced the following information from The LYCOS 50(TM), the 50 most popular Internet search results for the week ending March 3, 2007. For a complete list of The LYCOS 50(TM) and for in-depth text of The LYCOS 50 Daily Report, go to http://50.lycos.com/. Readers of The LYCOS 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The LYCOS 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/.

Biggest Movers and Shakers for Week Ending March 3, 2007:

1. Antonella Barba 1001 %
2. Lost Tomb of Jesus 900 %
3. Helen Mirren 592 %
4. James Cameron 400 %
5. American Idol 329 %
6. Hockey 118 %
7. Diets 109 %
8. Easter 106 %
9. Spyware 101 %
10. Facebook 60 %

Notes of Interest:

The nude photo scandal involving "American Idol" contestant Antonella Barba continues to dominate search traffic, as Barba takes over the number one spot with web users, knocking MySpace to number two on this week's Lycos 50. Barba generates 13% more search activity than MySpace, with nearly half of Antonella Barba-related search queries specifying "Antonella photos." Lycos users continue to show their support for the 16 "American Idol" contestants who remain standing with their favorite "Idol" video moments located on Lycos MIX at http://mix.lycos.com/mix/american-idol-hopefuls. Interest in Barba has also caused a surge in traffic for "American Idol" (#15), which jumps 329% this week, jumping from number 38 last week.

Search Gainers:

James Cameron's controversial documentary "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" also sees a dramatic spike in search interest, up 900% over the past 48 hours since the film aired on The Discovery Channel on March 4. As described on the Discovery Channel website, "The film makes a case that the 2,000-year-old 'Tomb of the Ten Ossuaries' belonged to the family of Jesus of Nazareth and examines DNA extraction from human residue found in two of the ossuaries, revealing new evidence that throws light on Jesus' relationship with Mary Magdalene. The documentary includes dramatic recreations, based on the latest historical evidence, illustrating accurate images of Jesus of Nazareth, his family, his followers, his ministry, his crucifixion and his entombment." The film has also sparked interest for Cameron, who jumps 400% in search activity. The "Lost Tomb of Jesus" debate has continued online with Lycos users posting numerous clips from the film, as well as news coverage reports, and offering comments both pro and con located at: http://mix.lycos.com/mix/the-lost-tomb- of-jesus.

The LYCOS 50(TM) Top 10 Search Terms for the Week Ending March 3, 2007:

1) Antonella Barba 6) Britney Spears
2) MySpace 7) Anna Nicole Smith
3) Poker 8) Naruto
4) Paris Hilton 9) RuneScape
5) Spyware 10) Disney

Protesters cry racism in Idol's Antonella-gate -

2007-03-06T22:28:00.000-08:00

Protesters cry racism in Idol's Antonella-gate -
by Tabloid Baby

Just when the Antonella Barba sexy photo scandal dies down for a couple of days, the ghost of topless photos past comes back to haunt American Idol and accuse the show of All-American hypocrisy.

Frenchie Davis was a plus-sized African-American singer who got the boot in the 2003 season because she'd once been paid to pose topless photos for a website. She's suggested, and this morning protesters are declaring, that Antonella is being allowed to stay on the show because she's a white girl!

LA civil rights activist Najee Ali of Project Islamic H.O.P.E. is set to lead a "Anti-American Idol Rally" outside the Kodak Theatre (where the show is taped) about fifteen minutes from now.

"It's obvious that it's a racial bias... when you have a situation where a black contestant is punished and a similar situation happens to a white contestant and there is no punishment and they're allowed to continue on the show," he says. "They can't have a rule for white contestants and have a different rule for black contestants."

Frenchie adds: "I couldn't help but notice the manner in which she was dealt with was the complete opposite of how I was dealt with... I'm certainly not interested in pissing people off, but this is an unfairness that can't be ignored."

Now, as far as the official story goes, Antonella never posed professionally and was blindsided by the posting of her amateur modeling shots and college girl-on-girl explorations. She gained valuable sympathy from producers and the public when everyone agreed that she was not, as alleged, the woman in sex act photos (until someone comes up with the OJ-Bruno Magli shots of Antonella wearing acrylic nails).

And it didn't hurt that Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest all confirmed support for Antonella while they were lounging with Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion.

The only blip in the Antonella story this week has been the leaking of a few more shots (NSFW) of her stripping sessionon the National World War II memorial, and some more squeaks about her siding with Hitler by desecrating the shrine. No kidding.

We'll keep you up to date on the rally...

Frenchie, by the way, is now on Broadway in Rent.

See the latest NSFW shots here.

--Tabloid Baby

Antonella Barba www.idontlikeyouinthatway.com

2007-03-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

February 28, 2007 Update: Antonella Barba Gets to Stay!

------

Well, even though she sucked, America voted to keep Antonella Barba on American Idol, so she'll be around a little longer. Now she sucks twice as much.

We received an email this morning from someone who prefers to remain anonymous:

Here are two pictures of Antonella Barba giving someone a blow job. These are real -- I know the guy in the picture. Notice her nose, eyebrows and teeth -- you can confirm it's her by comparing facial feature details to other known pictures."

I didn't think it could get much better than pictures of her on the toilet and hanging out topless and underage drinking, but I guess I was wrong. People sure don't seem to care whether or not she can sing. They just vote for her anyway. Next week she could walk out on stage, deep throat her microphone, take a bow and walk off without letting the judges say a word, and she'd still get a standing ovation.

http://www.idontlikeyouinthatway.com/2007/02/antonella-blowjob-barba.html

Commment about Antonella Barba Pic...

2007-03-02T01:28:00.000-08:00

Antonella Barba Topless
Antonella Barba Topless. Antonella Barba is the one in the middle. If you don't know, she is/was one of the most popular contestants on American Idol.

Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:20 PM
I adore the extremely white blond with the full-support-garment bathing suit bottom.

Friday, February 23, 2007 2:29 PM
I'm glad I'm not the only one who clicked the gut on the girl second from the left. Nothin' wrong with a nice cushion.

Friday, February 23, 2007 4:48 PM
I'm all about the blonde girl with the large chesticles...thinck in all the right places....

Friday, February 23, 2007 11:07 PM
she' got a good hold on the boobs of that babe in front of her.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 10:02 AM
All of them are today's young women...sluts!

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 1:24 PM
fat is disgusting, antonella is the hot one that fat girl is a pig, and look at her face! hideous

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 1:39 PM
that is hot

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:53 PM
Who cares! She should be a model not a singer anyhow. Her voice sucks but she is one hot babe.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 5:06 PM
The blonde on the far right is perfection!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 5:47 PM
Beautiful all of them

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 6:25 PM
nice g-string, i hope she found the rest of it

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 6:43 PM
Antonella... You are a dissapointment to young, intellegent, beautiful woman today... It disgusts me that stupid little rich girls like you, give us all a bad name. I am also a young aspiring singer, and I am more talented, smart and sexy than you could ever dream of becoming. You know why?? I think of my future first with every choice I make, and I have respect for myself. You should try having that for yourself if you are mentally capable. It infuriates me that little sluts like you and your little buddies in the pictures, most likely have not had to work a day in your useless little lives and it saddens me of your abbandon of morales. Bottom line... You need to think first, have a little respect for your self, imagine what your mom and dad think of you, and please for the good of America, don't sing, you suck...

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 1:12 PM
If Antonella is a product of catholic school education than this country is in very big trouble. The reality is that there are no morals left in this once beautiful country and we wonder why some societies on this planet deplore us. Can you blame them for not wanting to expose their young to this sort of barbarism? I don't. "Where have you gone Joe Dimagio"?

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 3:09 PM
Someone please tell these young aspiring women that they don't have to parade around like sluts to get where they want to go. Kick her off of American Idol.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:38 PM
Oh yeah, we're all soooo disgusted. All one has to do is look at the careers of Madonna, Britney, Christina, Linsey Lohan(who should stick to acting), Foxy Brown, and a multitude of others to see how negatively racy pictures affected their career. And nobody even knew who Paris Hilton was besides some rich easy party chick before her sex video got "stolen." Antonella is hot - no question. They looks like spring break pictures to me. So she had a little fun at the beach just like every other girl in America - which by the way is not why the rest of the world hates the US, you morons. As for her voice - I wouldn't know. I've never watched the show and until they promote someone other than a generic pop singer I never will. The real stars in the music business would've never made it on American Idol because they were and are originals.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:48 PM
Well, I can tell you, I have heard her sing, and she is neither original or inspiring! She is toned deaf, and in my opinion, not that great looking! She obviously is getting votes from young men who have either seen these pictures, or are still looking for them. She is NOT an American Idol, based on looks, personality OR talent! Sadly, she's taking the place of other young women who would be doing 1000% better on the show than she could ever dream of doing!

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 6:24 PM
Shes hot but she can't sing anyway. I really dont think these pictures are that bad shes having a good time probably drunk and being a teenage or someone in their early 20's don't make to much of this. Imagine how bad she feels all these people talkin crap. And to one of these girls that wrote about rich sluts make her sick and shes an aspiring young singer and this and that. Why aren't you on American Idol sounds like someone's pretty JEALOUS!!!

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:29 PM
Next time at the Jersey shore I'll have to check out the beach at night.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:53 PM
What is this? "Whores R US"?

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:55 PM
Their parents must be SO proud!

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:03 PM
There is absolutly nothing wrong with any of these girls.Most of you guys are totally wrong about the way you see women. we have everything, beauty to drive you crazy, brains to out smart you, and soon with the way you are thinking the jobs..

Thursday, March 01, 2007 7:22 AM
heaven forbid she wsa with friends and got caught playing around like most girls her age. Someone decided they weren't good friends after all, and wanted to make a buck. If this says anything, it says more about how money will change peoples loyalties in a heartbeat.

Thursday, March 01, 2007 10:21 AM
For all of you pointing fingers shame on you she is a person and yes we all make mistakes and if you never made one. then you are the perfect child.

Thursday, March 01, 2007 11:01 AM
The Corporate Media is at it again. They are blatantly lying about the nature of these photos which are innocuous at worst and innocent fun at best. On MSNBC this AM they are characterizing them as "X Rated." Wow, if these are "X Rated" I wonder what they would rate a real porno DVD? Triple XXX? Too Obscene for our viewers? The Enquirer a couple a weeks ago recited that a "Celebrity's language was too obscene for our readers." Are they joking? The cover boasted in big bold letters "Who's Gay, and Who's Not."

Thursday, March 01, 2007 11:50 AM
Self-centered, conceited, arrogant, tone-deaf, spoiled, egotistical, immoral whore. Same qualities as her best friend. The Jennifer Hudson comment she made last night was uncalled for and made her look like an even bigger idiot. Bye bye Antonella. Hope you enjoyed your 5 minutes of fame. Stay in school and try to get an education!

Thursday, March 01, 2007 12:05 PM
she sings better than me so i give her credit for that and she is very nice looking. shes not even that famous and her pictures are all ove, it sure must suck to be famous. no privacy. she shouldnt hav to worry about things like this happening. its really to bad... hope u win antonella! good luck

Thursday, March 01, 2007 1:39 PM
She should not be booted off the show for these pictures. Why bother? Established artists are found doing worse ie..Paris Hilton, Britney, etc...

Thursday, March 01, 2007 8:39 PM
Oh my God! These photos are absolutely normal, having fun on the beach, girl stuff. I can't believe anyone would be offended. Get a life.

Thursday, March 01, 2007 8:43 PM
i truly hope that people realize, pop culture in the states carries all the weight of abox of twinkies

http://www.favoritepart.com/

Barba on the Internet.

2007-03-02T01:15:00.000-08:00

The Internet strikes again.

The immediacy and the speed with which information spreads really is astounding.

The latest victim of the new media is Antonella Barba, a contestant on American Idol.

From her page on the Idol website:

Q: What other talents do you have?

Barba: Violin, piano

Q: Most embarrassing moments?

Barba: Saying the wrong things before I think

I think Barba might need to revise those answers.

LOS ANGELES -- The Internet was abuzz Friday over a series of racy photos linked to an "American Idol" contestant. The pictures, posted on several Web sites, included one with four women posing topless at the beach, their hands covering their breasts, and others with a woman engaged in a sex act.

The anonymous postings alleged that Antonella Barba, 20, of Point Pleasant, N.J., was depicted in the photos and didn't indicate how they were obtained.

Alex Gillespie, a Fox publicist in New York for the top-rated show, said the network would have no comment on the incident or whether it might affect Barba's participation in the contest.

Gillespie said the network is not making any of the contestants available to speak to the media.

...Nigel Lythgoe, an "American Idol" producer, was quoted on Entertainment Weekly's Web site on Friday as saying he was unaware of the photographs.

"We have really good background checks on everybody, and we deal with that every season," he told EW.com. "It's sad, isn't it, that your best friends are the ones that come forward with information that will go to Smoking Gun or put your photographs on the Web?"

Interested in seeing the photos?

Here's more photos alleged to be Barba.

It is sad that her "best friends" were willing to post these compromising photos of Barba on the Internet.

I wouldn't call them friends.

However, much sadder than the betrayal by these so-called friends is the fact that Barba engaged in the behavior depicted in the photos.

Quite literally, she blew it.

American Idol has a precedent to follow. Other contestants have been forced off the show for behavior that its producers deemed inappropriate.

I don't see how Barba can be allowed to remain if it's determined that the most sexually graphic photos are actually of her. It would be inconsistent with the treatment that other contestants received.

I suppose Barba could spend a day or two in "poor judgment" rehab. She could blame an addiction. Maybe Donald Trump could intervene and make things all better.

But in the final analysis, the show must uphold the standards it has set.

Actually, I don't see Antonella Barba as a victim of the Internet or disloyal "friends."

She made poor choices and those choices have consequences.
____________________________

Update:

What are the consequences for Barba? Other than being publicly humiliated and getting an incredible amount of attention, NONE.

If the ones responsible for releasing the photos hoped to destroy her chances to remain on the show, they made a gross miscalculation.

American Idol producers are going to support her. Why? Ratings. Money.

Barba's popularity has skyrocketed. She has a new audience of admirers.

As long as she stays on the show, American Idol will be attracting a new demographic -- the cramped hand demo. Yes, the producers have decided to reap the benefits of the sleazy photos.

In my opinion, it's creepy and reflects poorly on the show.

I wonder how the show's producers would have reacted if sexually explicit photos of a male contestant surfaced. Would they be as forgiving in that case?

I'm not sure what the lesson here really is.

I guess if you want to be famous, Barba is a role model.
Labels: Celebrities

http://freedomeden.blogspot.com

Public Reax to Antonella Barba's Veterans' Memorial "Performance

2007-03-02T00:59:00.000-08:00

Public Reax to Antonella Barba's Veterans' Memorial "Performance

WorldNetDaily reports that Antonella Barba's antics at the National WWII Veterans Memorial (NSFW images here) won't get her booted off the show by Fox, despite the fact that many members of the public are none too pleased with her. They sample a few opinions from around the internet, including the following:...........

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/186750.php

Antonella Barba Still Sucks

2007-03-02T00:48:00.000-08:00

Antonella Barba Still Sucks
posted by Chris Scott at 7:19 AM on March 01, 2007

So the girls were on and they weren't as good as last week which narrowed the gap between the top 10 guys and top 10 girls overall but some still stood out and not all for good reason. Melinda Doolittle was, in my opinion, once again the best female vocalist. She displays a maturity, range and control over her voice that none of the others have (including Lakisha who has a phenomenal voice). Once again local girl, Antonella Barba, sucked it up (this time singing a Celine Dion song) and all week online pictures of (supposedly) her were materializing of her sucking in another fashion but lets leave it at that.

Paula said she made leaps and bounds over her performance last week, if by leaps and bounds she meant falling into a deeper pit of hell she would be right. In her defense she did look cute in that short little dress but there are prettier people in the competition than her so I don't expect the pretty vote to be a factor tonight when two more will be eliminated.

http://philadelphia.metblogs.com/archives/2007/03/antonella_barba.phtml

Antonella Barba Gets to Stay!

2007-03-02T00:40:00.000-08:00

Antonella Barba Gets to Stay!

American Idol producer, Nigel Lythgoe, finally spoke up about whether or not he's going to let Antonella Barba stay on the show after countless racy photos including some of her topless, underage drinking and posing in a wet, see-through shirt at the National WWII Memorial were published all over the Internet.

Lythgoe [told] Extra he's not kicking the Jersey girl off, her fate is in the voters' hands," Extra co-host Mark McGrath reported during the syndicated entertainment news program's Tuesday evening broadcast."

Simon Cowell said yesterday at the Playboy Mansion, of all places, that the photos "[should] not affect her standing on the show, and if the public wants to keep her in, they'll keep her in." He added, "These people haven't done anything illegal; that's their private life."

Talking at the same party, Ryan Seacrest agreed, telling USA TODAY that while he has not seen the photos, the fact that they were released is "just tacky, disgusting. You've got a girl who's trying to make it on a show where she needs a vote, and someone's trying to tear that away from her." Though he said he had not yet seen the photos, Seacrest added that he would "absolutely let (Barba) stay on. If American Idol is a true representation of American youth, weโ€re going to find imperfections. And it's OK to be imperfect."

And Randy Jackson said, "Nobody's clean in the entertainment business. There are definitely some moral things that go on with this show," while Hugh Hefner, who was hosting the party attended by the three men, said that criticism of Antonella over the photos is "hypocritical and dumb."

Hey, I hope she wins. Nothing says "American Idol" like a slutty, lawbreaking, preachy religious hypocrite who disrespects national memorials and really likes basketballs. Who cares if she can't sing? Sluts rule!

My calls to Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan and Al Sharpton were not immediately returned - presumably because they were busy with construction paper, magic markers and gathering the troops.

http://www.idontlikeyouinthatway.com

The Truth about Antonella Barba

2007-03-02T00:09:00.000-08:00

The Truth about Antonella Barba
Written by David Krug

A few weeks after I landed in New York I met this crazy chick Antonella Barba at a nightclub. A typical Jersey girl. A freak in the sack, could eat a whole pizza with one fist and can drink me under the table.

No suprises here. Antonella was amazing to be around. Funny kinky but totally lost in her own little world. Regardless of all the rumors I can assure you there was no crazy blowjobs, and no wet t-shirts, she could sing like a horse and dance like a pig. And her name was Antonella Barba. So I don’t know what all this photoshop web rumor nonsense is all about. I’m not even sure Antonella Barba can sing.

But let me tell you what. She could sure wipe a nice ass.

http://celebritycowboy.com

Antonella Barba Nude !!!

2007-03-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

Antonella Barba Nude !!!

Antonella Barba UNCENSORED

American Idol chick Antonella Barba is the latest chick to get herself embroiled in controversy by (allegedly) getting naughty on film.

Antonella Barba has risen to great popularity with pictures that went from, “oh those crazy kids,” to “Oh dear,” to “Holy sh*t!.” Pictures of Barba on the toilet, with bare breasts, to giving a blow job nude have surfaced, has everyone wondering if she will get booted off American Idol. Scandal is what makes stars these days. If you’ve never seen Barba sing, you can see her now to judge for yourself if she has what it takes to be a singer.

http://antonellabarbanude.blogspot.com/

http://www.rumorficial.com

Antonella Barba

2007-03-01T22:15:00.000-08:00

Antonella Barba

Age: 20

Hometown: Point Pleasant, NJ

Audition City: New York

Interview Antonella Barba

Favorite male pop artists?

Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake

Favorite female pop artists?

Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, JoJo

When did you first start to sing?

6th grade talent show

Do you have any formal singing training?

No

What other talents do you have?

Violin, piano

If you don’t make it on AMERICAN IDOL, what will you do?

Finish school

What are your personal goals in life?

Be happy, no matter what I end up doing.

What album would your friends be surprised you own?

Josh Groban

Who is your AMERICAN IDOL?

Amanda, cuz she gave me the encouragement and support to get here

Do you have any rituals or things you do each time before you perform?

Pray

Most embarrassing moments?

Saying the wrong things before I think

What has been your proudest moment in life so far?

Making it through the first cut, the biggest cut so far, with my best friend

If you couldn’t sing, which talent would you most like to have?

Playing football

What is your definition of AMERICAN IDOL?

A role model for talent

Who is your favorite judge and why?

Simon. He tells it how it is, but only if you set yourself up for it.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I win eating competitions.

How has this changed your life?

This is the first time I haven’t been in school ever.

Do you have any lucky charms?

Only with milk.

Who are your heroes in life?

Walt Disney

What’s been your toughest obstacle in life?

Defeating stereotypes

Do you think the audition process was fair?

Not entirely, come on, it’s reality TV.

If you win, who will you thank first?

God

http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season6/antonella_barba/