the buzz log

As regular as swallows making their way back to San Juan Capistrano, the return of "American Idol" to the nation's airwaves always portends a contestant scandal. Thanks to aspiring starlet Antonella Barba, this year's installment of Idol has already locked down the scandalous element. The comely brunette with the shaky voice is doing her part to ensure this season won't be scandal-free.

After she secured her spot on the Idol stage, searches soared after a series of mildly racy photos hit the Web. The embarrassing pics (including one of her on the toilet!) were mostly innocuous, but they sparked searches on the fresh-faced vocalist.

Putting the brouhaha behind her, fans stuck with beautiful Barba after she butchered an Aerosmith tune in her first night on Idol's main stage. Either she's built a serious fan base or the folks at votefortheworst.com continue to play their cruel joke on the viewing public.

But after squeaking by the first cut, a new and more damaging set of Barba snaps stormed the Web. The photos show Barba (or someone who looks a lot like her) performing intimate acts and of course, searchers just had to see them. Queries on "antonella barba pictures," "antonella barba hot," and "antonella barba idol" all soared. Searches we can't discuss in polite company also took off as curious folks got specific.

Will the second series of naughty photos lead to her ouster from the show? Even if she gets the boot and is relegated to soft-core infamy, she's already made a name for herself in Buzz.