‘American Idol’ Alum Faces 10 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty in Drug Case

NORFOLK, Virginia – Former “American Idol” contestant Antonella Barba is facing at least 10 years in prison after pleading guilty in federal court on Tuesday to possessing at least 400 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

Barba’s guilty plea carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, under the plea agreement filed in federal court. The 32-year-old singer could still face a potential life sentence and up to $10 million in fines along with asset forfeiture, as a result of her plea.

The Jersey Shore native was arrested on Duke Street in Norfolk in October 2018 and was charged with selling or intending to sell 100 grams or more of heroin, according to Virginia court documents. She had denied the initial charges.

Barba is known for being among the top 16 contestants on the singing competition's sixth season in 2007 before she was eliminated. She also appeared in NBC’s reality series "Fear Factor" in 2012.