American Idol alum Rhonetta Johnson appears worse for wear in a new mugshot linked to an arrest for prostitution years after appearing on the hit talent show.

Johnson, now 44, became a viral sensation after a disastrous audition during American Idol’s Season 5 in 2006, when she had a fiery clash with judge Paula Abdul.

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal she was taken into custody at the end of January after skipping previous court dates.

She was booked in North Carolina’s Mecklenburg County after an outstanding order for arrest tied to a long-running prostitution case was finally served at the courthouse.

She was issued multiple release orders, had a public defender appointed, and was placed on a $2,500 unsecured bond, which was later posted.

The arrest traces back to a separate prostitution case filed in 2018, which dragged on for years after Johnson repeatedly failed to appear in court.

Johnson was caught on October 4 in an undercover sting at a massage parlor that led to multiple prostitution arrests in Charlotte, according to charlottealertsnews.com.

Officers found her at the Continental Inn on West Sugar Creek Road, where she allegedly agreed to have sex with an undercover officer for $35, cops said.

During the encounter, Johnson reportedly made a spontaneous statement admitting she had a crack pipe, which officers later found in her bag, leading to an additional charge, the outlet reported.

The charge was later dropped, and only the prostitution charge was filed.

Following her initial arrest, Johnson repeatedly missed court appearances, prompting several warrants, and she was taken into custody and released multiple times in 2019 on secured bonds reaching $2,000.

Despite the drawn-out proceedings, prosecutors ultimately dismissed the prostitution charge with leave in February 2020, formally ending the case, though unresolved paperwork allowed it to resurface years later.

LONG RAP SHEET

Johnson’s legal troubles date back even further.

In June last year, the Columbus Police Department also issued a missing persons plea after she reportedly disappeared.

A post on Facebook shows they later updated followers, saying she had been located in “good health.”

In 2012, she was cited for possessing up to half an ounce of marijuana and charged with soliciting for prostitution, court filings show.

After failing to appear in court multiple times, she was finally arrested in August 2014.

The case was resolved the following month when she pleaded guilty to the marijuana charge and was sentenced to 27 days in jail, all credited as time already served, while the prostitution charge was dismissed.

Court records later show she was hit with $170 in attorney-fee judgments, which remained unpaid and were flagged for state debt collection in July 2025.

The U.S. Sun can also confirm she has had multiple run-ins with the law dating back as far as the 1990s, before her time on the show.

WILD CONTESTANT

Johnson first grabbed attention as a contestant in 2006, auditioning in Greensboro, North Carolina.

She didn’t make it to the Hollywood rounds, but her audition became infamous, not for her singing, but for her reaction after being rejected by the judges.

Johnson lashed out at Abdul, claiming she could be “bigger” than stars like JLo, Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, and even refused Abdul’s offer of water, mocking the judge on camera.

Clips of the audition went viral, earning Johnson a spot in reality TV lore and even a humorous mention during that season’s finale.

She never launched a mainstream music career, though she did release a self-produced remix EP in 2014.

Cristina Perez Galcenco, the 21-year-old daughter of a retired Spanish footballer, was tragically found dead at her home this week

Tributes have poured in for an international catwalk model who was tragically found dead at her home in Spain.

Cristina Perez Galcenco, the 21-year-old daughter of a retired Spanish footballer, was found dead in Caleta de Velez, Costa del Sol, near Malaga on Tuesday. The Lanzarote-born beauty was said to have a promising future ahead of her, having already done catwalk modelling around the world in cities including London, Madrid, Milan and Paris. Well-placed sources said today her death wasn’t being treated as suspicious.

Graciela Suarez, director of a fashion event in Oviedo in northern Spain called Pasarela Campoamor – where Cristina first made her name as a teenager – said today: “I am devastated.”

As well as participating in events like Madrid Fashion Week, Cristina also featured in a number of ad campaigns for big brands like Stradivarius – even presenting new fashion collections for the likes of Versace and Louis Vuitton.

Her body is expected to be transferred to Asturias in northern Spain where she grew up in the next few days so her funeral can take place.

Cristina’s parents, former goalkeeper Nacho Perez and her Moldovan-born mum Tatiana Galcenco, have yet to comment on their social media.

Photographer Xana de Jesus said in an emotional tribute: “I have no words for this sad news, except to tell her parents Tatiana Galcenco and Nacho Perez and her family that a star shines eternally in our hearts and that I offer my deepest condolences in such a time of grief.

“I will never forget your words, Cris. You were and always will be a role model and an example to follow, both in your modelling career and as a person. I was very fortunate to have known you and worked with you. How unfair life is.” Another heartbroken friend added: “Cristina is an angel and always was.”

Cristina said in a recent interview: “My job is to be the image of what a brand wants to represent to the public, whether through catwalks or advertising campaigns. I always say that the most satisfying thing about this profession is the number of people, cultures and mentalities you get to know.

“They are so different from your comfort zone that you have no choice but to grow and adapt to them; on the other hand, I feel that this comes with loneliness, which is the worst part of this job.

“It is a fact that, being constantly on the move, no one in your close circle can keep up with you, so learning to get along with yourself is one of the most important things.”

Cristina went on to admit that modelling at a young age had been an obstacle in confronting some of the difficulties associated with the job. She was studying a course in Malaga around the time of her death.

Enzo Romano, 16, said it was his ‘dream’ to wear the Welsh shirt again

A talented young Welsh footballer was “devastated” to be told he might be banned from playing for his country again because he doesn’t hold a UK passport. Enzo Romano, 16, was born in Cardiff to Spanish and Italian parents and grew up in the city before moving to Spain at the age of eight when he signed for the Barcelona football academy.

The family still live in Spain but Enzo has been playing for Wales at junior level for a number of years.

However, from the age of 16, Welsh youth teams start playing in international competitions overseen by FIFA, whose eligibility rules state that you must have citizenship for the country you play for. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Enzo’s dad Antonio Romano told WalesOnline that his son is “proudly Welsh” and wants to play for his national team again but the Home Office has rejected his application for British citizenship on two occasions, seemingly ending his dream of playing for Wales’ first team.

Enzo said it feels “unfair” that his “dream of wearing the Welsh shirt in the Cardiff City Stadium making my debut for my national country” could potentially be taken away from him.

The Home Office has agreed to reopen the case to review new evidence submitted by the family. Antonio said the teenager has turned down playing for Spain, Italy and the Dominican Republic because of how much he wants to play for Wales.

He added that Enzo has been “emotional” for the last two years while the family have been trying to get the issue resolved.

Antonio said: “He has said no to three national teams to play for Wales and so after he heard that the Home Office rejected his citizenship application, he was devastated.

“I’m fighting so much because I want to see my son happy. He’s proudly Welsh and he wants to play for his national country.”

Antonio said that the FAW have been trying to support the family with the application.

He added that the family have been given multiple reasons why the application for citizenship has been rejected. According to the Home Office website, in order to obtain British citizenship at least one of your parents must be British or have settled permanently in Britain.

Antonio lived and worked in Cardiff for over a decade and believed he had permanent resident status, but said that the Home Office told them he had not submitted the evidence to prove this. He also said that the case is being reopened to consider new evidence from the family.

Antonio said he is “hopeful” that they may receive news within weeks confirming whether Enzo’s dream of playing for the Welsh team again “will come true”.

After the family shared the news about the Home Office rejecting his application for a second time last week, dozens of people have been in touch with the family to offer support.

He said: “I’m so grateful for everyone’s words and support. It keeps me feeling more Welsh than I already was.”

Enzo now plays for FC Damm, a club which Antonio said regularly produces players which go on to play for Barcelona.

The Home Office has been approached for a comment.

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.

9 mins: Gibson-Park with an up and over kick looking for Stockdale to invert and claim, but the hosts hold him up well. It’s turned over, however, with another cross-field kick, this time from Prendergast, which is an absolute beauty looking for O’Brien, but Ramos is over on that right flank to clean up.

Andrew Peacock, who had been deputy head of department at Hetton Academy, was spotted walking naked in a residential area causing fearful onlookers to call the police

A maths teacher who claimed to be a naturist was spotted naked in the street by pub goers as he walked through a residential area.

Andrew Peacock, who had been deputy head of department at a nearby academy, was spotted walking nude through Hebburn in Tyne and Wear heading towards the River Tyne. Mr Peacock, who had been deputy head of department at Hetton Academy, was accused of four allegations at a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) hearing.

The tribunal heard how he accepted a police caution for a public order offence – namely causing harassment, alarm or distress, Chronicle Live reports. Two members of the public reported Mr Peacock to police after he was found naked in a residential area – Ellison Street in Hebburn. Cops were told that the pair hid from Mr Peacock after he had got into his parked car and “driven up and down” the street.

The allegations were laid out at a virtual hearing of the TRA on Thursday February 5. Leah Redden presented the allegations before the panel; that Mr Peacock had been naked in a public place on the November 11, 2023, that he had been arrested but failed to inform anyone at the school about this, that his conduct constituted a criminal offence and he had accepted a caution, and that his conduct was dishonest.

The tribunal panel found each offence proven, and also found that Mr Peacock’s actions had constituted misconduct and may bring the profession into disrepute. The panel will now decide whether to recommend a teaching ban is imposed by the Secretary of State for Education.

During the hearing Ms Redden told the panel how Mr Peacock had been deputy head of maths at Hetton Academy from 2022 to 2024 when he resigned prior to an internal disciplinary hearing. He had been employed there since 2013.

Ms Redden added: “He was arrested [over his] nakedness in a public place on November 11, 2023. The circumstances were he was spotted by two members of the public, seeing he was naked in a residential area.”

She added that: “It is [Mr Peacock’s] position that he is a naturist and had been delivering food in the local area before deciding to go for a walk by the river.” The teacher claimed to have spent less than a minute outdoors – returning towards his car when he heard a voice – the panel heard.

Hetton Academy Principal Vicky Pinkney gave evidence, telling the panel that Mr Peacock had not taken the opportunity to inform her of his arrest over a period of more than a week. The school only found out about this when the local authority designated officer (LADO) contacted her. At this stage Mr Peacock was called to a meeting and a disciplinary investigation began.

Ms Pinkney told the panel that she had serious concerns about the impact of Mr Peacock’s behaviour. She said: “He seemed to think that he was a naturist and it didn’t affect school and that it was acceptable for him to be out and about without his clothes on. I was quite shocked – as I did think it affects school.”

She told the panel she was not aware of any school pupils living in the relevant area of Hebburn – but that a member of staff did live nearby, and that she knew some pupils did attend school via taxi from places further afield. The principal added that there had been no previous concerns about Mr Peacock though he had experienced periods of absence from school.”

Asked about the quality of his teaching, he added: “He was an okay teacher, results were not always where perhaps they should have been but we were working to develop that.”

In her closing statement for the TRA, Ms Redden recalled the evidence of a witness who saw an unclothed Mr Peacock. She said: “She felt panicked and terrified. She did not know what he was planning on doing. He made her think twice about being out at night.”

Ms Redden added there were a number of residential houses facing the street and said: “It is clear that he was in a residential area and did not park as close to the river as he possibly could have. He would have been aware that to get to the river he would have had to walk past those houses.”

She added that Mr Peacock contends his actions were a “simple act of naturism” but in the TRA’s view “it was rather an act which constituted a criminal offence, corroborated by witnesses, who felt they had to hide, fearing they were followed”.

The tribunal panel – Carl Lygo, Suhel Ahmed and Beverley Williams – found all four allegations proven. In announcing the decision, Mr Lygo explained details of evidence the panel had been provided with including witness statements from the police investigation and disciplinary hearing, along with Mr Peacock’s video-taped police interview.

Mr Lygo cited the police witness statements adding: “The police report states that at the time Mr Peacock was stopped in his car, [the officer] noticed Mr Peacock had a grey hoody placed over his lap and his bare legs were showing.”

Mr Lygo recapped that Mr Peacock had accepted being naked but had claimed to have “taken reasonable steps” to avoid being seen. The panel chair also explained that in his evidence to the TRA and the school disciplinary hearing, Mr Peacock had claimed that he had accepted the police caution to “avoid attracting media attention” and to protect the school’s reputation.

The teacher had claimed not to have known that he needed to tell his school about the arrest – but the panel did not accept this application. Mr Lygo said that in Mr Peacock’s police interview he had denied seeking to be seen, intending to alarm anyone, or seeking sexual gratification.

Referring to the charge of Mr Peacock not informing his superiors about the arrest, Mr Lygo continued, adding: “As an experienced teacher, Mr Peacock would have been familiar with his responsibilities around safeguarding.”

Mr Lygo added: “His behaviour amounted to misconduct and fell significantly short of the standards expected from the profession. He was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.”

A TV star who worked on Lord Sugar’s BBC show has a new job lined up

Tom Allen has teased details of his new role after quitting his job on The Apprentice.

The comedian had hosted the BBC show’s spin-off The Apprentice: You’re Fired since 2019, but recently confirmed his departure. He is now set to appear on stage in West End musical Titanique, a parody based on the film Titanic which follows the love story of Rose and Jack, but with lots of twists.

Appearing on The One Show on Thursday (February 5), he said he was “so excited” but admitted to battling the nerves.

“I’m nervous because I’m having very intense singing lessons at the moment, which has been great fun,” he said.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Two Apprentice stars forced to leave BBC show immediatelyREAD MORE: ‘It was obvious Thomas Skinner would be axed from Strictly’ says Alan Sugar

“And it’s been very intense. And I just didn’t want to show myself up in front of a cast of like, literally the best singers in the land.

“So I didn’t want to sit there and be like, ‘Oh, I don’t know anything, me.’

“So I’m a little bit apprehensive. And of course, I’m going to be the new boy to hit the cast and… a bit intimidating. But I’m reassured they’re nice people.”

Tom told the show’s hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp of the production: “It’s kind of like that kind of madcap camp comedy that you only really see in things like Airplane and Naked Gun and maybe 30 Rock… It’s so funny.”

Tom recently announced he was leaving The Apprentice spin-off, posting on Instagram: “I have decided, after six years, to say goodbye to The Apprentice: You’re Fired.

“I have had so much fun working with the most incredible creative people to make it all happen. I was also getting concerned Lord Sugar might realise I know nothing about business – as above video demonstrates.

“Thank you @lord_sugar @karren_brady_official @timcampbell_mbe for all their support and encouragement at every step and also thank you to each @apprenticeuk candidate and guest panellist who joined me in the studio.”

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website.

The Apprentice and The One Show both air on the BBC.

Forecasted heavy winds and heavy sea state have resulted in several sailings being cancelled.

Sailings between Cairnryan and Loch Ryan Ports and Northern Ireland have been cancelled due to heavy winds. Operation Overflow will be activated from 7pm this evening.

This comes after a number of sailings to and from Northern Ireland were cancelled due to forecasted high winds and heavy sea state. Those booked onto any of the affected sailings are advised not to travel to the areas where delays are expected and should instead seek alternative travel options elsewhere.

Freight drivers attending the area are advised to follow instructions from port operators and Police Scotland about accessing the Operation Overflow site while the cancellations are in place.

A statement from Stena Line read: “Please be advised Operation Overflow will be in process from 1900hrs this evening and Cairnryan port will closed for acceptance of freight vehicles. Unfortunately, as a result of this all bookings are suspended.

“This will remain in place until the clearance of the backlog of traffic currently waiting at the port and the overflow area at Castle Kennedy. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.”

A spokesperson for P&O Ferries earlier said: “Please see below sailing cancellation update. Due to severe weather we have now cancelled the 20:00hrs crossing from Larne and Cairnryan.

“Thursday 5th February: 12:00hrs, 16:00hrs, 20:00hrs – CANCELLED. 23:59hrs sailing is currently under review and remains subject to a further weather update later today.

“Normal allocations will be suspended and all space is subject to availability. Thank you for your patience and continued support.” P&O Ferries.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Operation Overflow will be activated from 7pm on Thursday, 5 February, 2026, after a number of sailings between Cairnryan and Loch Ryan Ports and Northern Ireland were cancelled. This is due to forecasted high winds and heavy sea state.

“Those booked onto any of the affected sailings are advised not to travel to the areas where delays are expected and should instead seek alternative travel options elsewhere. Please check with Stena Line and P&O Ferries as appropriate for updates on your sailings.

“Freight drivers attending the area are advised to follow instructions from port operators and Police Scotland about accessing the Operation Overflow site while the cancellations are in place.”

The event, which took place on February 4 at Ferryhill Station, saw crowds gather to mark the installation of a four-meter-high Miners Lamp Sculpture.

The sculpture was designed by Andrew McKeown to commemorate the mining heritage of the town, creating a fitting tribute to Mainsforth Colliery, which operated from 1872 to 1968.

Miner’s Lamp Sculpture unveiled at Surtees Corner, Ferryhill Station, pictured Sculptor Andrew McKeown (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

It features occupation names and terms unique to the Durham Coalfield areas, such as Spragger or Trapper, Chargehand and Shifter around the column of the lamp, so that they can be kept alive for future generations to learn about.

The event began with a speech by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Carole Atkinson who welcomed everyone to the event and thanked everyone involved in bringing the project to life, which cost £35,000 to install.

Miner’s Lamp Sculpture unveiled at Surtees Corner, Ferryhill Station pictured Rev Elizabeth Catford and Cllr Carole Atkinson (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The project was funded by a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £15,000 from the neighbourhood budgets of former county councillors Peter Atkinson and Curtis Bihari via the 4Together Partnership.

The event continued with a blessing of the Sculpture by Methodist Minister, Reverend Elizabeth Catford, which was followed by ‘The Miner’s Hymn – Gresford’ played by members of Ferryhill Town Band.

The Mainsforth Colliery Miner’s Banner was also displayed throughout the event by members of the Ferryhill Miners Banner Committee.

Miner’s Lamp Sculpture unveiled at Surtees Corner, (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Deputy Mayor of Ferryhill, Councillor Carole Atkinson said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in this project and who attended the Celebration Event on what was a very cold day.

“A special thanks to Sculptor, Andrew Mckeown for all his hard work on the project, to residents who put forward occupation names and suggestions for the final sculpture design.

Miner’s Lamp Sculpture unveiled at Surtees Corner, Ferryhill Station (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Miner’s Lamp Sculpture unveiled at Surtees Corner, Ferryhill Station Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“To Ferryhill Station Primary School for taking part in Sculpture Workshops, to Reverend Elizabeth Catford for blessing the Sculpture and to Ferryhill Town Band for playing the Miner’s Hymn at the event.

“Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to the funders of the project; the National Lottery Heritage Fund and former County Councillors Peter Atkinson and Curtis Bihari and the 4Together Partnership, without whom the project would not have been possible.”

For more information about this or any other project delivered by Ferryhill Town Council please contact: Karen Younghusband at Ferryhill Town Hall on telephone: 01740 652157 or email kyounghusband@ferryhill.gov.uk

“It’s got that Northern Irish sense of humour but it’s a very different show”

Next week we will find out How to Get to Heaven from Belfast as Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee’s newest show drops on Netflix.

Following three friends who have remained thick as thieves since their school days, setting off on a “wild adventure” in their late 30s, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast arrives on the streaming platform on February 12.

Cast, crew and invited guests took to the red carpet in South Belfast’s Queen’s Film Theatre on Wednesday night for the premiere of the new eight-part series.

READ MORE: Lisa McGee says How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is about relationship between ‘older and younger self’READ MORE: How to Get to Heaven from Belfast release date confirmed as first trailer for Netflix series drops

Speaking to Belfast Live at the event, show creator Lisa McGee said she felt the pressure of showing the local crowd her newest project in the heart of the city where it is set.

She said: “I’m still pretty nervous, not excited – I’m anxious but I hope they will enjoy it.

“The characters for me are the main thing and I hope they connect with the three lead characters in it and see themselves or maybe their friendship group. I hope they find they relatable and funny.”

The mind behind the award-winning hit Derry Girls, Lisa added that she tried not to focus on following up the global success of the Channel 4 comedy when putting her all into How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.

“I tried not to think about that when I was writing it and making it and I think the little genre switch helped with that. I would be more nervous if it was another straight comedy but because it’s a mystery and a bit of a thriller,” she explained.

“It shares the Derry Girls DNA, it’s got that Northern Irish sense of humour but it’s a very different show.”

She said that she thinks this genre switch will be the most surprising thing audiences will take in when they tune into her newest creation.

“It’s a little bit eerie, a little bit creepy and a little bit darker but not depressing,” she laughed.

Belfast Live also caught up with one of the leads, Roisin Gallagher, who previously starred in Belfast-based romantic comedy series The Lovers.

On getting to share her hometown on the screen again, Roisin said: “It means everything – I just didn’t think it was something that would be possible.

“When I went to drama school, I was told ‘you’ll have to get rid of the little leprechauns in your voice if you want to work’ meaning you’re not going to work in your own voice and how wrong was that and how glad am I that that was a false prediction.

“I’m just delighted to be here, to be home, to have my mummy here and celebrate Lisa McGee’s incredible, brave, courageous work – it’s class.”

Playing TV writer Saoirse, Roisin described her as “chaotic clever, unfiltered” and added the could see parts of herself in playing the character.

Roisin added that she is excited for Belfast to be shared across the world once again in such an anticipated production.

“I am most excited for people to see the country looking well – absolutely looking gorgeous. It’s beautiful how they shot it. I’m looking forward to people hopefully getting what I got filming the flashback scenes.

“That there might be a bit of reconnection with our youngerselves when were watching it.”

‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ will premiere on Netflix globally 12th February

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter