American Idol: Antonella Barba Scandal May Result in Dismissal

Racy photos allegedly of American Idol contestant Antonella Barba have popped up across the World Wide Web and her fate remains in limbo.

This is Carrie Stroup reporting.  Should Barba remain on the show, however, there is a potential that she assumes a brand new fan base, one that could push her over the top each week.

We witnessed this in the United Kingdom where Bollywood star, Shilpa Shetty appeared on that nation's incredibly popular Big Brother reality series as a huge underdog to win the competition.  Following a racism row where Shetty was portrayed as a victim, the nation overwhelming voted Shetty the winner.

A decision on Barba has not yet been determined by Idol producers.  Antonella Barba was listed with 8-1 odds of becoming the next American Idol at Sportsbook.com (see website here) at press time February 26.

Naughty photos have popped up across the Internet, allegedly of 20-year old Antonella Barba, an Idol hopeful from Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The photos have appeared on several web sites, and some feature four women posing topless on a beach, while others are of a woman engaging in sex acts. The postings were all done anonymously.

In the past, Idol contestants have been booted from the show for their behavior outside of the show. With past problems ranging from arrest records to porn sites, each new season never seems to disappoint with a fresh scandal.

Antonella Barba was believed to have been among the top vote-getters last week.

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Sparky Collins, Gambling911.com

Originally published February 26, 2007 11:37 pm ET