Antonella Barba, who reached the Top 16 on season six of American Idol nearly 20 years ago, has been arrested in New Jersey and charged with shoplifting from a Target store. Loss-prevention staff reportedly reviewed CCTV footage showing her concealing merchandise worth less than $200 in a bag before police found the items on her as she left the shop. It is not the singer's first brush with the law, having faced shoplifting-related charges in 2010, served three years in prison after pleading guilty to drug distribution, and been arrested on a domestic violence charge in 2025.

The alleged incident occurred on the afternoon of 10 August, and Barba has pleaded not guilty, with her next court date set for 18 November; she has not publicly commented on the charge. The news emerges as American Idol launches its "Idol Across America" nationwide audition tour ahead of its 25th season, which is due to premiere on ABC next year. Ryan Seacrest continues to host, while Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood (who replaced Katy Perry after season 22) remain on the judging panel, though it is not yet confirmed whether this line-up will continue into the new season.