Joanna Pacitti: American Idol 8 (Photos, Video)

, American Idol 8 hopeful, grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood in Philly. She would sing, beginning at age 5, for the customers in her father's barbershop and would buy candy with the tips she earned.

It wasn't long before Pacitti appeared on local TV talent shows and appeared in 106 performances of the national tour of Annie. Able to sing any style thrown at her, she saved her money and headed for California. She hooked up with Ron Fair, who molded the career of Christina Aguilera.

At the tender age of 16, she was signed by A&M Records and took the next year to hone her sound. During this interval, she was the subject of a two-hour episode on MTV's True Life documentary series. Pacitti said, "They followed me around for a year to show what really goes into making a record because it's so tough".

Pacitti launched an album under Geffen Records, This Crazy Life, which she describes as all about breaking free, taking chances, getting hurt and letting go.

Joanna, 24, has moved on and severed ties with Geffen and has now set her sights on becoming the next American Idol. She auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky and received her 'golden ticket' to Hollywood. The episode appeared on AI last night, January 21, 2009. She appears to be a contender.

Check out our photo gallery below and Pacitti's music video Let It Slide. Also as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow at age 16.









Audition video available here.