Local singer Felicia Barton cut from top 36 on 'Idol' - then asked back!

Well, that was close! On last night's episode of "American Idol," 26-year-old Virginia Beach resident Felicia Barton was shown getting eliminated by the judges. She didn't make the top 36 contestants and therefore missed her chance to compete on season 8.

It was a quick and dirty elimination.

Judges: "You didn't make it."

Felicia: "Really?"

Judges: "Really."

(Felcia exits and the cameras capture her hugging her hubby Loren and baby boy.)

But - second chances do happen!

This just swept the Web during the wee hours of the morning last night. It's been confirmed that Joanna Pacitti, who was shown advancing to the top 36 last night, has been booted from the competition and replaced by Felicia Barton. Yessssss!

"It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition," stated a Fox press release sent early Thursday morning announcing the show's full roster of semifinalists.

For the last several weeks, Pacitti has been the subject of Internet chatter regarding her former deal with A&M Records, which yielded the single "Let It Slide," and more recently, for her rumored close relationship with a pair of 19 Entertainment executives.

Specifically, Star magazine reported that Pacitti lived for a time in the same apartment building as 19's Michelle Young and Roger Widynowski, even referring to the former exec as her "best friend"; 19, of course, is the production company behind Idol.

And - in addition to Felicia getting a chance to compete on season 8, Elizabeth City resident Ricky Braddy also made the show! He's cute and I'm digging his personality so far.

Virginia Beach, you better start rooting for your hometown girl!

Watch (former contestant) Joanna's single "Let it Slide:"

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