It appears former American Idol contestant Joanna Pacitti is extending her 15 minutes of fame by hooking up with Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas.

Pacitti was disqualified from Idol this season amidst some controversy after it was reported that she had a relationship with an exec associated with the show, and also had previous record deals.

See the American Idol Season 8 contestants

The pair met in North Carolina some time ago, where Ballas was training with eventual winner Kristi Yamaguchi during DWTS season 6. Ballas and Pacitti apparently share a love of music, dancing and — we’re guessing — fame.

Ballas will compete on the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, premiering March 9 on ABC.

Meet the new cast of Dancing with the Stars

Tags: american idol, dancing with the stars, mark ballas dating joanna pacitti