Antonella Barba is facing a theft charge. Nearly two decades after she made the Top 16 on season six of American Idol, the singer has been arrested in New Jersey.
Barba was charged with shoplifting at a New Jersey target, according to NJ.com. The outlet reported that Barba is accused of stealing and concealing merchandise valued at less than $200.
Videos by American Songwriter
On the afternoon of Aug. 10, Target’s loss-prevention employees reviewed security footage that allegedly showed Barba concealing merchandise in a bag while going in and out of a fitting room and a restroom, the outlet reported.
Police approached Barba as she was exiting the store and allegedly found stolen items in her bag, per the outlet.
Barba, who pleaded not guilty, is next due in court on Nov. 18, according to the outlet. She has yet to speak out about the charge.
This isn’t Barba’s first brush with the law. According to the New York Post, Barba was charged with two shoplifting-related misdemeanors in 2010. S
he later served three years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute. Then, in 2025, she was arrested on a domestic violence charge involving her former partner.
What to Know About Season 25 of American Idol
Barba’s news comes just as American Idol is beginning the audition process for its upcoming 25th season.
The nationwide “Idol Across America” search gives hopefuls the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an American Idol produce for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions.
Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open-call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.
As for who the host and judges will be for season 25, that information has yet to be announced.
Ryan Seacrest has hosted the series since its 2002 premiere. Meanwhile, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry joined the show with Luke Bryan in 2018. When Perry departed the series after season 22 in 2024, Carrie Underwood stepped into the role.
Bryan, Richie, and Underwood have served on Idol‘s judging panel ever since. Season 25 of American Idol is slated to premiere next year on ABC.
Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Cassandra Wilson during Cassandra Wilson Performing at the Contemporary Arts Center – May 3, 2002 at Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. (Photo by Skip Bolen/WireImage) -
Dolly Parton faces media during a press conference on November 10, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (photo by El Pics/Getty Images) -
02/24/16-Boston,MA Boston first responders investigate the scene at Summer and D streets, where one of the drivers involved in a 2 car accident was injured Wednesday morning. Staff photo by Mark Garfinkel (Photo by Mark Garfinkel/Boston Herald/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images) -
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images -
Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images -
US musician Sean Lennon (L) and filmmaker Simon Hilton pose in the press room with Best Rock Performance award on behalf of The Beatles for "Now and Then" during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE -
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 30: Toby Keith performs onstage during the 2021 iHeartCountry Festival Presented By Capital One at The Frank Erwin Center on October 30, 2021 in Austin, Texas. Editorial Use Only. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
