Former 'American Idol' Star Arrested for Heroin Distribution

Antonella Barba is facing heroin distribution charges in Virginia.

antonella barba
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antonella barba

Former American Idol contestant Antonella Barba was busted for alleged distribution of heroin, according to TMZ

The gossip site reports that Barba was arrested on the morning of October 11 in Norfolk, VA. She's being charged with heroin distribution of more than 100 grams, a felony in the state that carries a sentence of up to 40 years in prison. 

Barba's time on Idol was brief but notable. She made it to the cusp of the show's top 12 before being eliminated in a season that was ultimately won by Jordin Sparks. Barba's stint on the show stirred up a bit of controversy after photos of her posing in a wet t-shirt in Washington D.C.'s National World War II Museum Memorial fountain were spread around the internet. 

Since being eliminated from the competition, Barba has only appeared on national television a few times. She competed on Fear Factor in 2012, where the show made no mention of her being a former Idol contestant. She also appeared in a recent sketch on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that pulled together Idol also-rans for a musical "Where Are They Now?" segment. Before her Fear Factor appearance, she was busted for shoplifting in New York City in 2011.  

The original run of American Idol lasted 15 seasons before Fox pulled the plug in April 2016. The show returned for a 16th season on ABC earlier this year, with its old stable of judges completely wiped out and replaced with Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. 

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