For over 15 years now, American Idol has been on the of the most popular shows in America. While its popularity might have faded a bit in recent years, this has done little to dampen the dreams of thousands of singers from across the country who try out every season for one of the coveted places in front the judging panel. It is a difficult road to be sure, so every person that makes the cut is understandably in a select group. It is a chance of a lifetime, and it can literally catapult an individual to eventual stardom.
Contestants do not even have to win American Idol in order to become famous. In fact, many people finished outside of the top 3 are still quite popular today and have made quite a living with their singing ability. However, the new fame and stardom for some are evidently too much to handle. Antonella Barba is one such contestant. She made it far on the show, but let her life away from singing get the best of her. In her fame, few saw the warning signs of drug abuse and possible distribution of illegals substances that would eventually be her downfall. Here is the story of the downfall of Antonella Barba and how she went from starting American Idol to staring down the inside of a prison cell.
The Background
Antonella Barba once had many things going for her in life. She had many dreams of building upon what was already a successful singing career in the eyes of many. She would land a place on American Idol. While that would be short lived, only being able to perform a total of three songs before being eliminated, the stage was already set. She had a vision for her future and where she wanted to go. Just to get on the live shows of American Idol illustrated the special talent that she had. It appeared as if she would be going places.
Antonella Barba is from New Jersey. By the time she would get on American Idol, she would be 32 years of age. This was a make or break time for being able to enter into one of the most competitive fields imaginable. That being said, she certainly seemed to have the singing ability. She was talented. Now, she just need to get noticed by the right people. The question was, did she have the desire to do what it took to keep her personal life in check in an effort to promote her professional career?
What Happened?
Contestants do not even have to win American Idol in order to become famous. In fact, many people who finished outside of the top 3 are still quite popular today and have made quite a living with their singing ability. However, the new fame and stardom for some are evidently too much to handle. Antonella Barba is one such contestant. She made it far on the show, but let her life away from singing get the best of her. In her fame, few saw the warning signs of drug abuse and possible distribution of illegals substances that would eventually be her downfall. Here is the story of the downfall of Atonella Barba and how she went from starting American Idol to staring down the inside of a prison cell.
Just before she would begin to get noticed on American Idol, the controversy would already be beginning. Antonella Barba would appear in a series of photographs that were rather provocative. These would be posted online and quickly go viral. That being said, she was able to put that behind her and get onto the show. She would go on to release her own single entitled ‘Jersey Girl’. The lyrics of the song described Antonella Barba down to a tee. She wanted listeners to know her as a sing, a violinist, and a pianist. This was blasted all over her Instagram page as well.
To this point, Antonella Barba was not known by many. That would begin to change. Her voice became so recognized that she was invited to sing the National Anthem prior to a Los Angeles Dodgers game. Things really seemed to be looking up for her. Even though she was eliminated early in the show, she still made it far enough to be invited to tour with other alums from American Idol. That would take her on the Jimmy Kimmel show, in addition to touring around the country.
Through all of this, she would begin to hob knob with quite a few famous people, particularly around the Los Angeles area. She would even have her picture taken with Al Pacino and Magic Johnson. She would develop her own website in anticipation of launching her solo career in a big way, but that has now obviously been put on hold.
The Downfall
Antonella Barba once had many things going for her in life. She had many dreams of building upon what was already a successful singing career in the eyes of many. She would land a place on American Idol. While that would be short lived, only being able to perform a total of three songs before being eliminated, the stage was already set. She had a vision for her future and where she wanted to go. Just to get on the live shows of American Idol illustrated the special talent that she had. It appeared as if she would be going places.
The place she is now heading appears to be prison. Just recently, she plead guilty to the possession of more than 400 grams of fentanyl, with the intent of distributing it. This is enough of the substance to actually kill more than 200,000 people. Keep in mind that fentanyl is more powerful than heroin is. Because of the nature of this crime, there is a mandatory minimum sentence to be imposed for ten years. The maximum is life in prison. She will be sentenced in late November. This all took place in Virginia back in October of 2018.
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